FSU InSPIRE Adds Robotics Training for Gulf Coast Teachers and Expands Workforce Development Team
Florida State University’s InSPIRE, the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, added two, week-long trainings in Robotics starting in July. ROBO 101: Introduction to Robotics in the Classroom will be offered free to educators in Bay County on July 6-12 and in Okaloosa County on July 13-17. There are now nine free summer professional development workshops throughout Northwest Florida.
This is the third summer FSU InSPIRE is conducting free professional learning courses for K-12 teachers and the second year they will be held in local school districts and partner state colleges. ROBO 101 participants will collaborate with FSU faculty and industry partners to examine the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering design to enhance classroom instruction.
“We couldn’t be happier to announce ROBO 101 is back by popular demand,” said InSPIRE’s Director of Education and Workforce Talent Carrie Meyers. “It is exciting to be able to bring this course to educators in Gulf, Walton, Bay, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and explore how integrating these advancements can transform the educational practice of K-12 teachers along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.”
Two STEM Experts Join in Time to Lead Professional Learning Courses Starting June 1st
Participants will integrate durable skills to strengthen students’ transferable employability, deepen their understanding of fundamental robotics and pre-engineering concepts, and integrate computational thinking and block-based coding across all subject areas. Key to the success of this effort is the appointment of two seasoned educators joining FSU’s Learning Systems Institute and co-leading the workforce and talent team at InSPIRE.
Brigitte Gudz is a InSPIRE STEM Specialist who is formally joining the team following her successful time facilitating InSPIRE’s Summer 2025 ROBO101 course. She is a highly skilled STEM, mathematics and CTE educator, curriculum specialist, robotics leader, and mentor whose work directly aligns with InSPIRE’s mission.
With 35+ years of experience teaching mathematics, STEM, CTE, and applied learning, she brings the classroom expertise, program leadership, and the workforce-focused mindset needed to help prepare students for emerging opportunities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy, and technology. She also brings deep roots in Northwest Florida and a strong personal and professional commitment to the region, with family ties to Franklin County and a connection to Bay County schools through her children’s work as educators.
Julie Perry, EdD, also joins the team as an InSPIRE STEM Specialist, bringing more than a decade of experience in K-12 education, computer science, robotics, STEM curriculum development, teacher professional learning, and statewide standards work. She recently completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership at Florida State University, with research focused on educator perceptions of computer science education in elementary schools.
Perry began her teaching career working with ESE students in Wakulla County, where she developed a strong foundation in differentiated instruction and supported all learners through hands-on STEM education. She later taught at Florida State University Schools and Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, where her work expanded into STEAM, coding, digital information technology, AP computer science principles, physical science, forensics, and robotics.
“Both Brigitte and Julie’s exceptional credentials are vital to us achieving our long-term vision: expanding access to high-quality STEM learning, strengthening computer science pathways, supporting teachers with practical and research-informed resources, and preparing students for the future of work,” added James Reynolds, InSPIRE’s Director of STEM Outreach. “Both of these educational leaders have 3D printing, robotics and coding backgrounds making them ideal to lead and help in all the courses we will be creating in the future.”
For FSU InSPIRE’s Summer 2026 schedule of professional learning, visit here.