They may look new, but they are trained warriors in the arts of knowledge. Do not make assumptions; for they will guide you to the best of their abilities. These are the 22 teachers who are new to Miami High.

Why become a teacher?

Teachers have different motives for choosing this career path, but many want to help others. Science coach Mr. Mendez adds, “I felt that I could give back to the community and hopefully inspire my students to do well and succeed in life as many of my teachers inspired me.”

“I enjoy helping others and wanted to find a way to do that through a subject that I’m passionate about,” stated ninth grader English teacher Ms. Rodgers, a Miami High alumna. “I had amazing teachers in high school and amazing professors in college who inspire me to give back in the same way.”

Ms. Utera, tenth grader intensive reading teacher, said, “I’ve always wanted to help others, and what better way to help than by teaching children that are our future to not only do well academically, but to believe in themselves, be kind, and do good for others.”

Where did you teach before?

Before becoming part of the Stingaree family, many of the “new” teachers taught in different schools. Media specialist Ms. Torossian was a teacher at Coconut Grove Elementary. “After being in elementary almost 12 years, I wanted to experience what it was like to work in a high school setting,” she said.

Similarly, intensive reading teacher Ms. Alina Armas was a special education teacher for 26 years at Auburndale Elementary, but wanted to experience a new teaching environment at MHS.

Ms. Munguia, Algebra 2 teacher, used to teach at Immaculata La Salle, a private Catholic school, and left because “I wanted to teach at Miami High, my alma mater.”

Last year English teacher Ms. Delicata was teaching at Northwestern Senior High. “I adored my students, but I wanted to experience a new environment,” she said. “My goal is to someday become a school principal, so I wanted to branch out and serve a new set of students in MDCPS for experience.”

However, some “new’ teachers are actual rookies. Physical science teacher Ms. Jara, a Miami High alumnus, said this is actually his first teaching ever. “Being an MHS alumni I didn’t see myself going anywhere else to start a teaching career,” he said. “I wanted to give back to this wonderful school.”

Algebra 1 Teacher Ms. Wong, who’s in the same position as Ms. Jara, says, “I have never taught at any other school, but I firmly believe that MHS is the best school I could ever work at.”

Why do you teach the subject you do?

Teachers are very passionate about what they teach.  “I teach choir because I realized what music did for me as a student and as a human being,” says new chorus teacher Ms. Cid. “Therefore if I could share that with others, that is the greatest gift.”

Likewise, drama teacher Ms. Cote adds, “I’m very passionate about theatre and helping students find their voice in society.”

“I teach English because I’ve always had a passion for it,” says Ms. Rodgers. “I believe that being a strong reader and mastering the English language helps students become more proficient in other subject areas.”

“English is my passion,” says English teacher Ms. Guerra. “It’s so important for individuals to be literate; it enables you to defend yourself and not allow yourself to be taken advantage of.”

U.S. history teacher Ms. Perez said, “I attended law school for a year and really grew a passion for social studies.

MHS Alumni/ Non-Alumni

Many of the new teachers that roam our hallways were once Stingarees.  English teacher Ms. Guerra graduated in 2010; Ms. Munguia graduated in 2005; Mr. Jara graduated in 2008; geometry teacher Mr. Marrero graduated in 2012. Also, Ms. Wong, Ms. Rodgers, Ms. Armas and Ms. Perez graduated from the High.

However, other teachers graduated from different places. Woodshop teacher Mr. Brown says, “I went to a small town school in Kansas and I liked it there.” Ms. Cid graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School in Miami.

Interestingly, U.S. history teacher Ms. Garcia says, “Even though I love the memories that I have from Flushing High School (NYC), it would have been amazing if I have had the support and family environment that the Miami High students receive from their teachers and staff.”

Differences Between Schools

Even though many teachers have taught at different schools something must have caught their eyes to teach at the High.  “The learning environment is wonderful,” said Health Science Level 1 teacher Mr. Green. “The students are excited and eager to learn.”

Geometry teacher Mr. Marrero says that the architecture and the human quality of the school make it more appealing to come teach here.

“Most obviously the age difference, going from elementary to high school is a big change,” says former elementary teacher Ms. Armas. “The school spirit and traditions make MHS very unique.

Ms. Perez said that the students here are special and that she can relate to them since she was once a student at the High.

“Miami High is definitely more diverse than my previous school,” adds Ms. Munguia. “I used to teach at a private, Catholic school and the population of students was different. There are certainly many more Central Americans at Miami High, and I’m from Honduras, so I enjoy teaching students that are more like me.”

Teachers’ Degrees

Many of these new teachers are highly qualified. Health science teacher Mr. Green has a B.B.A. and A.S. in fire science, a master’s in public administration, and is a licensed paramedic.

Ms. Delicata has a bachelor in rhetoric and media studies from Whiteman College, and she is currently getting her master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University.

Ms. Torossian has a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership. Science coach Mr. Mendez has a bachelor degree in exceptional student education and a master’s in special education.

Woodshop teacher Mr. Brown has a bachelor’s in Industrial Education. Mr. Jara has a degree in biological sciences with a concentration in biopharmaceuticals as well as an associate’s degree in computer engineering.

Sting’s New Teachers