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DeVos Checks Out FIU's Nursing Program During South Florida School Tour

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Betsy DeVos stopped in South Florida for a visit to several Miami schools on Thursday, including Florida International University.

The Secretary of Education met with FIU's president and student leaders before touring the nursing school and Simulated Training and Research Center, where she was introduced to the latest in medical educational technology thanks to a mannequin mom named Victoria and her newborn, Matthew.

The mannequin mother and baby can move and respond with lifelike ability.

"The level of realism, we try to make it as high as possible," said one of the professors. "We don't fake anything. We use actual needles, everything is authentic."

The FIU visit was the second South Florida stop for Secretary DeVos Thursday. Earlier, she met with students and teachers at CARE Elementary School in Miami.

She read to the children and presented them with a proclamation from President Trump supporting what she believes are the benefits of the school choice model.

"CARE Elementary is an awesome example of the opportunity provided through the Florida tax credit scholarship program," said DeVos. "Nearly all of the students here are participating in that program and wouldn't be here were it not for that opportunity."

DeVos, a private and charter school advocate, was just barely confirmed thanks to a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence. While some protested her visit at FIU, the faculty and students at CARE elementary were happy to have her on campus.

"We are excited to have her here," said Vice Principal Patrice Smith.

DeVos rounded out her day with a visit to entertainer Pitbull's charter school, SLAM.

"Mr. 305" himself joined DeVos on stage when she arrived.

DeVos is expected to a Miami-Dave County Public School on Friday.

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