Teaching Strategies to Meet Florida’s Cursive Standards

Register Now for a Free, Live Panel Discussion

Don’t miss this expert panel discussion and Q&A! Our panel will explore:

Effective ways to meet Florida’s 3rd–5th grade cursive standards.
Practical hands-on techniques for streamlining cursive instruction.
How cursive instruction can enhance literacy development.

We will also share the positive impact cursive can have on your students and effective methods for incorporating cursive instruction.

You're Invited

Grab your seat. Sharpen your pencil. Let’s talk cursive.

Wednesday, May 28 @ 3 p.m. ET

Tuesday, June 3 @ 10 a.m. ET

See Who Is On Our Expert Panel:

Sam Deffes, Senior Literacy Advisor at Learning Without Tears

Sam Deffes, a Florida educator for 18 years, began her career at S.P. Livingston in Duval County. She’s served as a literacy specialist for Title 1 and Turnaround schools, PD facilitator, and curriculum developer. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Reading from UF. Sam has been with Learning Without Tears since 2022 and serves as the Senior Professional Learning Literacy Advisor and Academic Partnerships.

Dr. Tracy Shenuski, Principal, University Park Elementary

Tracy holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida and has over 30 years of dedicated service to public education. Tracy’s career includes roles such as teacher, instructional coach, principal, and director of special programs across Florida, where she has consistently focused on advancing quality education for all students—especially in Title I schools across diverse communities. Tracy is currently serving as a principal in Brevard County Schools.

Christina Bretz, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Sr. Manager Internal Learning at Learning Without Tears

Dr. Christina Bretz is an occupational therapist from Lexington, KY. She has been with Learning Without Tears (LWT) for the past 23 years. Currently, she is the Senior Internal Learning Manager for LWT and an adjunct professor at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. She has experience in early childhood education, school based occupational therapy, home health and telehealth.