Ms. Gonzalez is an English teacher teacher at Miami High who’s loved and appreciated by many. Despite her only teaching 9th graders, she has many students throughout all grades that still come in to her class to visit. She builds a friendly bond with her students and makes English a very entertaining and engaging subject even if most kids originally find it boring.
Her life as a teacher
Ms. Gonzalez said her favorite part of being a teacher is getting to see how different all of her students view and interpret all of the texts. She also says how rewarding it is to watch her students improve in anything they set their minds to especially when it’s something she progressively helped them achieve.
Over her years of teaching she’s had so many memorable experiences but can’t exactly call just one a favorite. However, she explained that every year, a fun memory is reading The Odyssey as it calls for a lot of discussion and it gives her a read of every student and their personality. As much as she enjoys teaching The Odyssey, her favorite lesson to teach is The Metamorphosis because she says most students stay engaged throughout and it’s really easy to get into the text and find a way to connect to it.
A bit on her personality
One of Ms. Gonzalez’s favorite ways to relax is by reading a good book. It’s peaceful, and it allows her to escape into different worlds and stories, which is both calming and inspiring. She said, “A tip I’d give students to relax is to find something you love, whether it’s reading, listening to music, or going for a walk, and make time for it regularly.”
Her favorite hobby is to watch different animes because it lets her unwind. If she could travel anywhere, she’d love to visit Italy because of its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredible art. “If I could wish upon a star,” she said, “I’d wish for more understanding in the world, because I believe it would make everything a little better for everyone.”
Growing up, her role model was her high school English teacher. “She had a passion for literature and a genuine care for her students, which inspired me to pursue teaching and to share my love of reading with others,” said Ms. Gonzalez.
One quote she lives by every day is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This reminds her that positive change starts with our own actions, and she tries to bring that mindset into her classroom.
Ms. Gonzalez said, “A value I always emphasize is respect—both for ourselves and others.” She believes that a respectful classroom environment fosters better learning and helps students grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals.
Ms. Gonzalez states that her upbringing definitely shaped who she is today. Her parents instilled in her the importance of hard work, kindness, and curiosity, and these qualities have guided her both personally and professionally. A fun tradition she has is a Friends-Giving party every year where her friends catch up and enjoy each other’s company. It keeps a balance between work and free time, which she also tries to encourage in her class.
