Talent Acquisition Department Receives 2026 FSW Business Partner Award for Workforce Pathways
The Talent Acquisition Department of the School District of Lee County has been named a recipient of the 2026 Business Partner Award for Workforce Pathways by Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). The recognition was presented during FSW’s Annual Business Partners Appreciation Luncheon hosted by its Division of Workforce Education.
The award honors outstanding community and industry partners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workforce development and student success. The Talent Acquisition Department was recognized for its strategic partnership with FSW’s College of Education, specifically for providing high-quality field experience placements for teacher interns throughout Lee County schools.
Throughout the academic year, the department collaborates closely with university leadership, school administrators, and cooperating teachers to ensure interns receive meaningful classroom experiences. FSW leaders commended the team’s professionalism in securing placements, navigating placement adjustments, and addressing challenges with responsiveness and integrity.
The strength of the partnership was further highlighted during the event when a current FSW intern participated in a student panel and shared positive reflections about her field experience in Lee County schools—underscoring the impact of intentional mentorship and structured support.
“This recognition affirms the power of strong college-district partnerships,” said Inez Mata, Talent Acquisition leader for the School District of Lee County. “Our collaboration with FSW is rooted in a shared responsibility to prepare future educators through real-world experience, strong mentorship, and aligned support systems. When passion meets preparation, we build a sustainable pipeline of high-quality teachers for our community.”
The Talent Acquisition Department’s workforce pathway strategy emphasizes early engagement, structured field experiences, and long-term pipeline development to meet the district’s evolving staffing needs. By aligning placement practices with college of education programming and school-site leadership, the department continues to strengthen educator preparation across Southwest Florida.