MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Public Schools launched a week of professional training for over 400 new teachers on Monday.
M-DCPS Superintendent Jose L. Dotres described the day as “huge” for the district while discussing the significant step in addressing teacher shortages as new educators from elementary, middle and high schools were welcomed with applause and encouragement.
M-DCPS School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas shared the importance of passion and high expectations in teaching.
“You will transform lives every day,” she said. “A good teacher must be passionate and hold high expectations for both students and themselves.”
“I am excited about meeting my students,” said Candice Colebrook, a new recruit from Frances S. Tucker K-8.
Dotres outlined new pathways into teaching aimed at closing the teacher shortage gap, including the Teacher Residence Program, Teacher Apprentice Program (in partnership with MDC), Certified Intern pathway, and Accredited Certification Development Program.
“It’s the fifth time we’re rated an ‘A’ and we have amazing results,” he said. “We’ve created and utilized four different pathways to make teaching opportunities more accessible.”
He identified the pathways as:
- Teacher Residence Program
- Teacher Apprentice Program (in partnership with MDC)
- Certified Intern Pathway (for clerical staff transitioning to teaching roles)
- Accredited Certification Development Program
Statewide, the Florida Department of Education has identified high-demand areas for teacher vacancies.
Click here to view high-demand areas and low-performing, high-priority schools statewide, including those in math, science, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and ESE (Exceptional Student Education).
Yolanda Hernandez Ovalle, who joined Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center, shared her motivation to give back as a VPK ESE teacher, which was inspired by her experiences advocating for her daughter with autism.
“I am here because I want to give back,” said Hernandez Ovalle. “My daughter is on the autistic spectrum disorder and I was her advocate. I helped my friends when their children got diagnosed through the pathway and now I am going to be a VPK ESE teacher.”