In Miami High, you can’t go around the school without going to your science class where it gets physical, chemical, and biological. At Miami High there are a total of 12 science teachers, who either teach biology, chemistry, physics, marine science, or physical science

Why they’re so good?

Miami High’s science teachers are admired by their bosses for the way they get students to excel in class. MHS alumnus and current principal Mr. Valdes said, “They are a veteran group of teachers that know how to work together really well and know exactly what benchmark or skills the kids need to excel. I think that they are better than any school you can find to provide the type of education that’s going to support our students.”

Assistant principal Mr. Zabala added, “It all starts with great leadership from Dr. Hueck as they work together to help make each other better teachers through the excellence demonstrated from what their students receive.”

The science teachers know that they are good. Marine biology teacher Mr. Upperco said, “I have had the opportunity to visit over 100 different high schools throughout Florida. Miami High has some of the most outstanding teachers. Everyone works hard and puts time in to make students’ lives better.”

Biology teacher Ms. G said, “I believe we work very closely with each other. We genuinely like each other and even include each other in our personal lives.”

Student and Teacher Expectations

Many students in Miami High try to take as many science class as they can. After taking AP chemistry with Dr. Hueck and physics with Mr. Rivera, 11th grader Daniel Rodriguez is now taking AP physics with Mr. Rivera. He said, “I expect the same humor and harder material.”

11th grader Bryan Turo, who took Honors chemistry with Dr. Hueck and AP biology with Mr. Yoham last year is now taking AP chemistry with Dr. Hueck and physics with Mr. Rivera. Bryan’s expectations for his AP chemistry class are to go into more depth about the subject.

Each year brings a new batch of students, and science teachers confront the challenge of what they will be like: attentive, sluggish, lazy, responsible, or courteous? Chemistry teacher Mr. Ceballos said, “They’re too entertained with their cellphones.”

Physical science teacher Mr. Zuniga said, “They rely on the internet to get the answers and accept them as if they were true. They do not seem to do thinking on their own.”

Biology teacher and Interact club advisor Mr. Emerson said, “I see a lot more apathy these past years regarding grades and school spirit.”

Chemistry teacher Mr. Ricknauth, however, is more optimistic. He said, “Some students are bit less focused, but overall a good group of students.”

One thing the entire science department would like to see improve are scores on the science EOC test, but that’s not everything.    Biology teacher Ms. G would like to see more interest and excitement to learn science. “Oh, and I’d like to have more science fieldtrips,” she said.

Biology teacher Ms. Pomareda said, “I’d like to see the students become more responsible about their work.”

How did you involve/ immerse yourself in your science class?

In spite of teachers’ concerns, some strive to be high achievers in science. Junior Bryan Turo said, “I joined Science Honors Society (SHS) and I’ve looked at the world from a more different perspective.”

10th grade student Eber Mendez takes AP classes and learns as much as he can from his homework and relating from what they teach in class.

What did you like about your science class last year?

Some students in MHS have a favorite science teacher. For 11^th grade student Nayib Jorrin, it was his chill biology teacher, Mr. Emerson Perez. Nayib said, “I liked the fact that he had this mundane attitude so the class was chill, but it was good because that didn’t stop him from teaching.”

11^th grader Erik Mayor’s favorite is his MHS alumni chemistry teacher Mr. Ceballos. Erik said, “I really like my teacher because he’d really go in depth when he taught us.”