Sixth- and seventh-grade Social Studies teacher, Mistique Hernandez, has been named Rookie Teacher of the Year at Miami Lakes Middle School. Hernandez earned her Associates degree at Miami-Dade College and finished her studies at Florida International University, acquiring her Bachelors and Masters degree.
She started her profession at South Florida Autism Charter three years ago. Since then, she has transferred over to Miami Lakes Middle.
“It feels nice to know that my colleagues support me and commend me for all of the time and hard work I put in on a daily basis,” said Hernandez.
For as long as she can remember, Hernandez always wanted to be a teacher, she even dressed as one for career day in elementary school.
“I remember being 7 years old and going to my grandmother’s house just to teach her English. I used to assign her alphabet homework,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez’s main focus in her career are her students. By connecting with them and being understanding in any type of situation, Hernandez takes her time in learning her student’s interests to engage them in learning.
“In my teaching philosophy, I believe that if students feel safe and accepted they become excited to learn,” Hernandez explained. “I also like to say ‘connecting with the student’.”