I believe that classrooms should be safe, student centered, and welcoming where active participation is promoted. Collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking must be fostered and students should be encouraged to share their opinions, as well as respect the opinions of others. Creating this kind of a safe classroom environment makes learning conducive for a variety of learning styles and needs.
Tracey Tedder, Ed.D.
As the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Florida Southern College, Dr. Tedder is responsible for the educational leadership and excellence of the College’s highly respected academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
Under Dr. Tedder’s leadership since 2008, Florida Southern College has experienced many firsts in the history of the institution including offering the first doctoral degree, the Doctorate of Educational Leadership. In 2010, Dr. Tedder opened the Roberts Academy at Florida Southern College, the first transitional school in the state of Florida for talented students with dyslexia. The program has become nationally known, attracting students from across the United States. In spring 2020, she opened the first and only Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health.
While Dr. Tedder has served as the Dean of Education, the Florida Department of Education ranked the School of Education the #1 private school program for Education in the state of Florida. These rankings demonstrate the evidence of the positive and consequential impact of her leadership. She has continued and strengthened the long and outstanding reputation of the College and led it to high distinction.
Through the years, Dr. Tedder has been recognized for her contributions to the field of education. She was a recipient of the National Association of Women of Distinction Award, and has been active in community as a member of Leadership Lakeland and United Way. Dr. Tedder has been named to serve in two endowed chair positions: the Nina B. Hollis Endowed Chair in Education and most recently, the Hal and Marjorie Roberts Endowed Chair in Learning and Literacy.