Rafael A. Villalobos

Every student has a story to tell. Language Arts teachers help them tell it. Renee Cantave of @MacarthurMiami is a finalist for @MDCPS Teacher of the Year, representing the Office of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education/ Dual Enrollment Opportunities. Thank you, Renee, and thank you to Principal Latonya Shackelford for supporting this work.

Our students find their voice in many ways. For some, it is a song. Shanpatrick Davis teaches vocal music at @CoralReefSHS and is a finalist for @MDCPS Teacher of the Year, representing our South Region. Thank you, Shanpatrick, and thank you to Principal Nicole Berge-Macinnes.

Beatriz Abi Haya Cariello teaches Portuguese at Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High and is a finalist for M-DCPS Teacher of the Year, representing our Central Region. Another language means another world for our students. Thank you, Beatriz, and thank you to Principal Dr. Dillon Williams.

Some of the most important work in our schools happens in special education classrooms. Kaitlyn Casanas teaches at Westland Hialeah Senior High and is a finalist for M-DCPS Teacher of the Year, representing our North Region. Thank you, Kaitlyn, and thank you to Principal Lucy Trillas.

This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with our partners at the Early Learning Corps. It was inspiring to connect and talk about the incredible work happening in our classrooms every single day. Investing in early childhood education is one of the most important things we can do for our community. Those early years build the curiosity, confidence, and foundational skills that set our youngest learners up for success in school and in life.