Although he’s been with us for a short time, he’s right back where he belongs here in Stingtown. As the new social studies department chairperson, history and macroeconomics teacher, as well as the football coach, Miami High alumnus (Class of 1991) Mr. Ivan Rosales is a triple threat.

One way he meets the needs of both his students and his players is with a neat extra credit technique for his classes. “I want to give my students an incentive to go to the football games and support the team,” he said. “Students have to take a selfie at the game with the backdrop of the field so I know what game it was, and that right there is 10% extra credit.”

Mr. Rosales said that this is a win-win because the players feel the support and enthusiasm from the students in the audience, and those students get rewarded for it.

For the Love of History

Out of all the subjects to teach, Mr. Rosales has a passion for studying the past. “I love history,” he said. “Always have since I was a little kid.” Mr. Rosales is a big fanatic of World War II, and everything that occurred during the war.

It’s his favorite topic to teach about. However, he is careful about how he teaches it. “Teaching history has to be in an objective manner. We all have our biases, so we must present the information impartially, and whenever possible, give both sides to a particular issue. However, over all I enjoy it wholeheartedly; it’s a very positive experience.”

With just three short years at Miami High, memories weren’t hard to make. “In 2013, I remember my A.P. Macroeconomics students coming back after taking the exam with a very confident attitude,” said Mr. Rosales. “It was very rewarding to know that pretty much all the material we had covered and that they had learned was on the test.”

On down side, just 3 days before school started in his first year here, he received a completely new teaching schedule. “I was supposed to teach government and economics. Instead I was told to teach U.S. history. I wasn’t prepared for that,” he said. Another small complaint about the teaching life is having to abide by mandates from the district as well as the grading.

Mr. Rosales says that teaching AP Macroeconomics versus teaching history is very challenging. “Many students think that because Macroeconomics is under the social studies department, that it’s a history class, and it’s not,” said Mr. Rosales. “It’s more like math class in which students have to use another part of their brain.”

As the new department chair of social studies, Mr. Rosales says that he is in between the administration and the history teachers. “As department chair, I pretty much disseminate information; I relay information of certain objectives and goals that the administration will have for the department. I make sure that we work as a team to meet our goals and objectives.”

Mr. Rosales would like to thank former department chairperson Ms. Seale, who retired last year, for explaining everything really well and helping him go through a smooth transition from a history teacher to the department chair.

From The Neighborhood

Each teacher is unique in his or her own way, and for Mr. Rosales it’s about where he comes from. “It’s easy to connect with my students because most of the kids that I teach pretty much come from my same background,” he said. “I grew up in Little Havana and went here so I think it’s easy to relate to the kids that come from my same background.”

Mr. Rosales cannot see himself anywhere else but Miami High. “This is home,” he said. “Working here is almost like working for your family. If I can sum up working at Miami High in one word, it’d be rewarding.”

For the love of Teaching

   Mr. Rosales has been a history teacher for 15 years. He worked as a history teacher and a football coach at Ronald Reagan High, and a history teacher at Booker T. Washington Senior High. He has a bachelor’s from FIU and a master’s degree from Nova University in social studies, and a specialist’s degree in education leadership from Nova, as well.

Other than U.S. History, Mr. Rosales has taught Government, Economics, World History, Psychology, A.P. Government and A.P. Macroeconomics.

Let’s Go Stings!

This is Mr. Rosales’ third football season at Miami High, and being the football coach comes with a lot of responsibility. “I’m wearing many hats,” he said. “I have to make sure that the students keep up with their grades, and that they’re in class. Also, I have to deal with parents and the community as a whole, as well as having to organize fundraisers and planning pre-game meals.  Having to feed 60+ players on a weekly basis isn’t easy.”

Mr. Rosales loves his place as coach. “What’s rewarding about it is winning,” he said. “Seeing the players’ hard work paying off makes it all worth it.”

He sees similarities between the field and the classroom. “Honestly, you’re still teaching; coaching is teaching to me. The only difference is the intensity,” he said. “I have to be more strict and intense on the field, versus how I am in the classroom.”

Mr. Rosales relates to his players easily. “I’ve played football here. I’ve sweat, cried, lost, won and played against the same teams on the same field. I could definitely relate and connect to my players,” he said.

The best thing about coaching has to be Game day. “The adrenaline is pumping, and it’s almost like you’re playing the game. Obviously, succeeding at that is incredible,” he said.

Mr. Rosales’ and his team’s vison for the fall season is impressive. “Our goal is to win. Winning the district championship, being in the playoffs, and winning a state championship would be phenomenal,” he said. “Our expectations are set, and the bar is set high for the players, but I believe that the team is ready mentally, physically, and health wise.”

Personal Life

   Mr. Ivan Rosales was born on January 7^th, 1972,  in Jinotega, Nicaragua, so of course, Mr. Rosales’ favorite food is churrasco, gallo pinto and tajadas.

   Mr. Rosales enjoys watching drama and action movies. “My favorite movies have to be Rocky (1976) and The Godfather (1972).”

He doesn’t have a limit on his music. “I can listen to disco, rap, even country. I’m all over the place,” he said. “I like listening to bands like Foreigner and Journey, groups from the 80’s. But I can also relate and listen to Mr. 305.”

On T.V. Mr. Rosales, who’s also a self-described master at Monopoly and checkers, relishes watching shows like Tyrant and Power. “And I definitely watch the news,” he said.

Mr. Rosales is a sports man. “Football is obviously my favorite sport, but I also like basketball,” said Mr. Rosales. “I cheer for my hometown teams: Miami Dolphins, the Miami Heat, and the Hurricanes.”

Thirty years into the future Mr. Rosales said, “Hopefully, I’ll be alive, retired, and traveling.