The Teaching and the Legal & Public Affairs magnets attract students left and right to Miami High. The teaching magnet is led by English teacher and FEA advisor Ms. Berrios while social studies teacher Mr. Asper runs the Legal & Public affairs program.

Why Students Join?

There are many reasons why students join the magnets. Freshman Lorde Belcombe wants to work in education and feels that being in the teaching magnet is an early start. Sinai Zeledon, another freshman, feels that joining the law magnet will help her because she wants to be an FBI agent. Sophomore Brianna Rodgers said, “When I applied I was interested in law and becoming a lawyer. Now I’m more interested in social issues and how laws affect them.”

Other students are Stingarees at heart but Miami High isn’t their home school. A sophomore who wishes to remain anonymous said, “I chose the teaching magnet because I didn’t want to do law and the magnet was the only way that I could come to the school.”

Expectations

Magnet students can expect specialized instruction. Ms. Berrios said that teaching magnet students should expect to improve their reading, writing, and thinking skills, while also developing their leadership skills.

Ms. Berrios, said that seniors take part in internships while students in other grade levels develop skills in the elementary strand which prepares them to become preschool teachers. Ms. Berrios hopes to partner with “Breakthrough Collaborative” which will allow the students to get a paid fellowship over the summer.

Students have high expectations for teachers and the programs as well. Sinai Zeledon wants to learn about the laws we have here and the history of them. Ninth grader Cierra Rodgers, who is in the teaching magnet, is excited about learning more about Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel along with Adobe Photoshop.

Jasmine Hill, freshman in the teaching magnet, is looking forward to her sophomore year when she expects to learn about early childhood and psychology.

What is the Magnet?

According to the official Miami High website, “Miami High’s Teaching Magnet Program introduces students to the art and science of teaching.” The courses that students are introduced to develop effective communicators, higher level thinkers, goal setters, and problem solvers.

The Legal and Public Affairs Magnet is created specifically for students interested in careers in law and public affairs. According to the Miami High website, the law magnet has been the starting point for many professionals in the legal and political community. Many local and state government officials have graduated from Miami High, including judges and U.S. Senator Bob Graham.

Impact

Many upper level students are happy with their programs. Senior Jahdai Mena said that the Legal Magnet was helpful for her because she wants to be a lawyer and it taught her the basics of law.

Junior Ailema Perdomo said that when you are in the legal magnet at Miami High, you gain discipline and responsibility from it. She also says the law magnet gave her a taste of what careers she likes and what she doesn’t.

Isey Mencia, a sophomore, said that the teaching magnet allows you to get certified as a preschool teacher after you complete the program.

Application and Requirements

According to the Miami High Website, (http://www.miamiseniorhigh.org), there is a three step application process that students must take in order to be considered for both the teaching and legal magnets. First, they have to submit an application to “Schools of Choice” on or before the given deadline. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will then be admitted into the Miami Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) lottery pool. Finally, students are sent notices whether they are granted or denied acceptance.

Requirements for both the Legal Professions and Teaching magnet are the same. Students’ academic and conduct grades must be no lower than a “C” average. Students are expected to be present and on time to school every day, meaning no more than five absences per semester totaling no more than ten per academic year. Also, they should have no more than ten tardies yearly. Students should be aware that their acceptance may be revoked if they haven’t met all requirements at the end of each school year.

Advice

Experienced magnet students share what they believe would help others in the magnets. Sophomore Rocio Rodriguez, who won Best Freshmen in the Legal Magnet award, said, “Prepare to be dedicated and focused; there’s no room for cheating or slacking off.” Senior Jorge Perez said, “Keep your grades up, because your overall GPA is what matters.”