(2) The Department of Education shall:(a) Develop and implement a system for posting teaching vacancies and establish a database of teacher applicants that is accessible within and outside the state.
(b) Advertise in major newspapers, national professional publications, and other professional publications and in public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions, if needed.
(c) Utilize state and nationwide toll-free numbers.
(d) Conduct periodic communications with district personnel directors regarding applicants.
(e) Provide district access to the applicant database by computer or telephone.
(f) Develop and distribute promotional materials related to teaching as a career, if needed.
(g) Publish and distribute information pertaining to employment opportunities, application procedures, and all routes toward teacher certification in Florida, and teacher salaries.
(h) Provide information related to certification procedures.
(i) Develop and sponsor the Florida Future Educator of America Program throughout the state.
(j) Identify best practices for retaining high-quality teachers.
(k) Create guidelines and identify best practices for the mentors of first-time teachers and for new teacher-support programs that focus on the professional assistance needed by first-time teachers throughout the first year of teaching. The department shall consult with the Florida Center for Reading Research and the Just Read, Florida! Office in developing the guidelines.
(l) Develop and implement an online Teacher Toolkit that contains a menu of resources, based on the Sunshine State Standards, that all teachers can use to enhance classroom instruction and increase teacher effectiveness, thus resulting in improved student achievement.
(m) Establish a week designated as Educator Appreciation Week to recognize the significant contributions made by educators to their students and school communities.
(n) Notify each teacher, via e-mail, of each item in the General Appropriations Act and legislation that affects teachers, including, but not limited to, the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program, death benefits for teachers, substantive legislation, rules of the State Board of Education, and issues concerning student achievement.