Unveiling the Stories Behind MDCPS Teacher of the Year Candidates
In a district with nearly 20,000 teachers, selecting just four finalists for the Teacher of the Year award is a challenging endeavor. But these four educators have not only made it to the final stage; they have also earned the right to be considered for this prestigious honor.
Julia Gilchrist, a passionate educator, brings a unique perspective to her classroom at Dr. Frederica Wilson/Skyway Elementary School. Her personal journey, marked by homelessness as a child, has fueled her dedication to teaching. She believes that her students' energy and motivation keep her young and engaged, and she adapts her teaching style to meet their needs.
"My students' enthusiasm is infectious," Gilchrist said. "They keep me motivated and young. Sometimes, as a teacher, you have to adjust your approach to meet them where they are. The greatest reward is when a student comes to me and says, 'Ms. Gilchrist, I understand the lesson better because you simplified it for me.'"
Gary Spitnale, a chef by profession, adds a unique flair to his teaching at Miami Lakes Education Center. With a background in the hospitality industry, he decided to share his expertise with students. His approach is simple yet effective: make mistakes in the classroom rather than in the real world.
"The students keep me on my toes," Spitnale shared. "They make me laugh every day. I tell them, if you're going to make mistakes, do it here so you don't make them in the real world."
Dale Adamson, a robotics expert, has built a powerhouse program at McMillan Middle School. His goal is to teach students the art of problem-solving and independent thinking. Adamson finds fulfillment in the moments of breakthrough and enlightenment in the classroom.
"Every day, I witness a student's 'light bulb' moment," Adamson said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see their progress and see a different student every day."
Robert Rabelo, a civics teacher at South Miami Middle School, is passionate about teaching his students about the Constitution and the functioning of the government. He believes that his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious and that his students' enthusiasm for learning is evident.
"I wish I had bodycam footage of my classroom," Rabelo said. "It would show the public how excited my students are about learning about the Constitution and how our government works. My students understand that civics is a practical subject that teaches us our rights and the limits of the government."
Each of these nominees is humbled by the recognition and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their students' lives. They are already winners, and their students are fortunate to have them as mentors and teachers.
