Spanish Lake Elementary (SLE) named Maria Vogel as Teacher of the Year and Elsa Ruiz as Rookie Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015. Vogel and Ruiz possess passion to make a positive difference in the lives of students. They are masters of their subjects and motivate students to learn in a most meaningful, relevant, enthusiastic way, according to school officials.
A consummate educator and veteran teacher of 23 years with a kind heart, Vogel holds masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Master of Science in Education. Her love for her profession, sincere interest and concern for SLE students and staff are immediately evident with her expertise in teaching and learning styles, in-depth knowledge of curriculum, and infectious exuberance.
Throughout the years Vogel has worn many hats in addition to her classroom teaching of math and science, such as school and district-wide seminar presenter, Science Fair chairperson, and math and science tutoring coordinator.
Presently, she is SLE’s Math coach and teaches fifth grade math. She is well-regarded and highly respected by students, parents, faculty members, and administration as someone who genuinely cares about each student and staff member’s development. She works to help them achieve their potential in a positive, effective, resourceful way.
Ruiz is a native Floridian who grew up in a family of teachers. She had always of one day becoming a dedicated and motivational teacher, a dream she is now living. After graduating from Miami-Dade College in May 2013, she began working at Spanish Lake Elementary in August of the same year.
With her soft-spoken voice, warm and nurturing classroom atmosphere, Ruiz provides for the individual needs of her students by effectively planning for large and small group instruction. Just as her teachers inspired her, she, too, is striving to develop her students into young adults who will be lifelong learners.