Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has named four finalists for the Teacher of the Year award, selected from a pool of 20,000 educators. The finalists were recognized for their innovative teaching methods and measurable impact on student learning.
Roberto Rabelo, a civics teacher at South Miami Middle Community School with 37 years of experience, focuses on helping students realize their potential at the start of each class, according to WSVN. Julia Pennington-Gilchrist of Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School has achieved 100% learning gains in some of her classes. Dale Adamson at Howard D. McMillan Middle School leads a robotics team that has won seven consecutive Vex IQ State Championships and reports a 98% Algebra 1 proficiency rate among his students. Gary Spitnale, a culinary arts teacher at Miami Lakes Education Center and Technical College, has helped students achieve a 90% certification rate in food safety and culinary skills.
The finalists were honored at an event hosted by Stephanie King, Miami-Dade’s 2000 Teacher of the Year. Julia Pennington-Gilchrist shared her teaching experiences with the Miami Herald, and Roberto Rabelo discussed the influence of his family background on his teaching approach. The Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport and Convention Center, with prizes including financial awards and a new car provided by Kendall Toyota.
