“Una Maestra Especial” translates to “a special teacher.” Every year Univision hosts a contest for the “Una Maestra Especial” award, similar to MDCPS’ award “Teacher of the Year,” in which teachers are nominated by their colleagues. The winner is chosen by a designated committee.
What’s different with “Una Maestra Especial” is that students, not just teachers and administrators, are able to submit letters and essays to the network Univision, nominating a teacher they feel deserves to be the special teacher of the year. Such was the case with Neyda Borges, English Department chair at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC).
“We were so excited to nominate Mrs. Borges for ‘Una Maestra Especial’ because she’s always enthusiastic to get us involved in contests. We wanted to do the same for her,” said Stephanie Brito, a junior in the journalism strand of the Cambridge Academy at MLEC and the student whose essay won Borges the title.
“When I came across the application for ‘Una Maestra Especial,’ I immediately thought of Mrs. Borges,” said Maria Vasquez, a junior in the journalism strand at Miami Lakes Educational Center. “To me, she is not only an English and journalism teacher – she is a friend, role model, and guide.”
Vasquez, along with another five journalism students, started the task of having their favorite teacher chosen as the most special teacher of the year.
“What I wrote about and what I think impacted the judges at Univision most is that when all other teachers are home, Mrs. Borges is still here at school, because she cares about us and doesn’t mind going the extra mile,” said Brito.
“I don’t know how to turn off my lights and close my door at 2:20 pm. I can’t not give all of me,” said Borges.
Borges has received recognition before, ranging from the “Beyond the Bell” Award from the Chamber of Commerce, to being recognized by Mayor Wayne Slaton and the Miami Lakes Town Council to the very prestigious honor of serving as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Region I Teacher of the Year in 2011.
“It was a great honor to be selected Teacher of the Year. It was flattering professionally because my colleagues nominated me. It was rewarding because other teachers, parents and administrators sat in my class and selected me to represent our region at the District level; but ‘Un Maestro Especial' is special’," said Borges.
“What matters the most are the kids. To be nominated by them means that I am making an impact on them, that they enjoy coming to class and learning, that they feel the passion I put into my work,” she said.
Borges graduated from the University of Miami in 2003 with degrees in Journalism and English. Mere chance began her teaching career. She wanted to make a difference and do her part to make the the world better, even in the smallest of ways. She took a chance and started her career at MLEC in August 2005. She became one of the anchors of the Cambridge Academy in 2006, heading the journalism program, one of the academies’ three strands.
"In the ten school years teaching at MLEC, she has certainly made an impact. She has helped her students get accepted to Ivy League Universities. She has seen them open their own businesses and firms, she has travelled across the country to attend their college graduations. She remains a force in their lives long after they leave the halls of MLEC," said Helena Castro, activities director at MLEC.
Not only does Borges encourage her students, she sets an example for them. She was once a freelance writer for WLRN and now runs her own blog where she posts news and opinion articles.
“She has a lasting impact on her students because the skills she helps them develop they can use for a lifetime and they do because of the work she puts in with them,” said Erica Evans-DeSimone, MLEC's Cambridge Academy Leader.
Throughout her years as a teacher, she has worked to help and shape students. She helps her AP Literature students learn to identify symbols and write eloquent essays and she is present for them at all times, whether they need help correcting an essay or help with creating a club.
“Mrs. Borges was our mentor, advisor, and coach throughout our entire Girls Who Code launch. Even though she’s not our official sponsor, she’s helped us make our mark in the technology field. She’s given us advice, proofread our resumes and coached us every step of the way,” said Michele Wu and Joanna Luo.
“If the students are willing to do the work, she is always there. Her motherly side surfaces when her students ask for help or see themselves in a predicament,” said Evans.