TOPP for Teachers
Teacher Opportunity Progression Program (TOPP)
Growing our own Pre-K Teachers with Soar in 4 TOPPs
Growing our own Pre-K Teachers with Soar in 4 TOPPs.
Become an early learning teacher with tuition support and mentorship.
Paraprofessionals can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida.
WE ARE TOPPs
“The TOPPS program is the reason I was able to get my Degree.“
Wanda Lorenz
Virgil Mills Elementary
The program helped me get started and set the road map for the course I needed to take. The people were so encouraging. I would not have followed my dream if I wasn’t a part of the TOPPS program. I could work my job as a para and take the course I needed to take. The other people in the TOPPS program with were very supportive and we helped each other figure out some bumps in the road.
“Being a TOPP has been such a blessing. I have been able to continue my education, reach out to others in the community through Soar in 4, and meet so many other great educators.“
Jen Harper
Williams Elementary
’23-’24 Excellence in Education Support Person Nominee
Hello, my name is Jen Harper and I am a VPK teacher at Williams Elementary. I am currently in my senior year at SCF and graduating in May with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education! Being a TOPP has been such a blessing. I have been able to continue my education, reach out to others in the community through Soar in 4, and meet so many other great educators.
I am an IPK teacher’s aid at Palmetto Elementary. I am planning on attending SCF in the spring of 2025, and I have already previously completed my associates degree.
Madi Miller
“I own a business so finishing my degree just wasn’t in the cards for me until I heard about TOPPS. This program makes it possible for me to complete my degree when I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. “
I am currently employed in a IPK (Integrated Pre-kindergarten) classroom as a paraprofessional.
I am in my Senior year, pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have three semesters to go. WHOOOOO!!!
Amanda Quirino
Blackburn Elementary
“TOPPS is an opportunity. A chance to show my daughters what it means to never give up and pursue my career.“
“I am so grateful to be joining the TOPPS program! I will finally be able to further my career in early childhood education!“
Kellie Barr
Stewart Elementary
My name is Kellie Barr. I am a VPK teacher at Stewart Elementary. I am currently in my senior year working towards my bachelor’s degree in early childhood. I am so excited for this opportunity.
“ What TOPPS means to me is a new beginning on bettering myself and it will help me achieve my goal to help our future leaders. “
Carletta Brinson-James
Williams Elementary
I am a teacher’s aide in a VPK/EPK classroom and a sophomore in college.
“I am very excited to be a TOPP and extremely appreciative for this program which has made finishing my degree in Early Childhood Education and furthering my career more accessible. “
Christal Cashmore
Myakka Elementary
I am the VPK Teacher starting the 23-24 school year at Myakka City Elementary.
I am a sophomore at SCF.
I’ve attached a picture of myself with my fur-baby Beatrice.
SCF School Year enrolled: Freshman Year
Brittany Aca-Orea
Samoset
“As a first-generation college student, I had no idea where to start with anything. The TOPPS Program is a hand up support program that will guide and support me in every step to accomplish my teaching degree. “
I’m a mother of two boys. I have 8 years of experience working with children. I’m a IPK Para at McNeal Elementary School, and this is my third year working in an IPK classroom. I’ve always known at a young age, that I wanted to work in the education field and become a teacher. I want to make a difference in a child’s life, the way my teachers made a difference in my life. I’ve watched how my teachers throughout the years work with me, that helped me achieve academic success based on my education plan. T
Whitney Gavin
“This will be my freshman year at SCF. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to pursue and advance my career in early childhood education, thru the Topp’s Program.“
“The TOPP program has been life-changing for me. I could not attend school without the financial support. Thanks to TOPP’s I am living my dream of becoming a teacher. “
Susan Johnson
Gene Witt Elementary
VPK teacher in my third year at SCF.
“It has been a blessing being a part of TOPS. The program has allowed me to go back to school while working full time.“
Shawna Tillberg
My name is Shawna Tillberg and I am a VPK para at Williams Elementary. I am a mom to three daughters and have two golden retrievers. This is my second year at SCF, I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree. It has been a blessing being a part of TOPS. The program has allowed me to go back to school while working full time.
I have been working as a VPK paraprofessional in Manatee County since 2015. I am a junior at SCF pursuing my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Yarelis Gonzalez
Blackburn Elementary
“I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and I am proud to say that this scholarship has made it possible for me to start working towards my goal!“
