Farrah Salem, named Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School’s Teacher of the Year, gets lost in the sea of students at HML, not only because of her height but also because of her youth. It wasn’t very long ago that Salem roamed the halls herself, as a class of 2010 Trojan.
Salem changed plans from attending law school even after taking the LSAT and interning at numerous law firms to pursue her newfound passion in teaching, following a stint with Teach For America. The Miami Lakes native earned her bachelor’s in sociology and minors in Educational Studies and Communication Studies at the University of Florida and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership at the University of West Florida. She was also certified in Physical Science and Marketing for grades 6-12.
Salem’s foundation for a law degree translated well into her new career teaching subjects like Digital Media Fundamentals and her role at lead magnet teacher and Department chair for Career and Technology Education.
“I have always been interested in technology,” said Salem. “I have even taken programming courses in college. I love marketing, design, and making things more efficient through technology.”
Apart from the classroom, Salem sponsors the Women of Tomorrow, FBLA, coaches softball, and is a participant in the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program.
“I feel like every teacher is incredible for what they do, and being recognized for it just makes me even more motivated to make a difference,” said Salem. “I care about everyone in this building so deeply.”
Salem cites genuine relationships as what students best respond to in the classroom. Treating students with respect, making them feel capable and supporting their dreams are concepts that have worked well within Salem’s classes. The combination of determined kids and a magnificent staff are what make for a dynamic school that has led to state awards earned by FBLA, Mock Trial, Model UN and DECA teams.
“I credit my success as a teacher to my students and administration who make coming to school worth it,” said Salem. “The students are the best part of my day. They motivate me, truly. When I graduated my last words were ‘I’m never coming back to this place again!’ Now I return happily every morning.”