Hialeah Gardens Middle School's 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year, Patricia Delgado, is a long-time special needs educator, having taught children with autism for over 13 years. The Pre-K teacher comes from a family of teaching professionals including her mother and sister, both of whom worked with special needs children.
“My decision to become a teacher was made early on in my life and was primarily influenced by my mother and her 23 years as a paraprofessional,” said Delgado. “My parents are my role models, they have taught me the value of hard work, education, and living a full life.”
Delgado was born and raised in Miami-Dade County, attending Immaculate Conception Elementary School and then Monsignor Edward Pace Senior High School.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Mentally Handicapped with Varying Exceptionalities from Florida International University (FIU) followed by a master's in Special Education. She returned to school in 2006 to earn her Educational Specialist Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Miami and received a second master's degree in Public Administration in 2012 from FIU.
In 2008, Delgado became a National Board Certified Teacher. Additionally, she plays an active role in Hialeah Garden's PTA team, the Special Education Committee, the Social Committee, the Green Committee and the After School Tutoring program.
When she is not participating in school committees or teaching, Delgado applies her “french frying expertise” as a volunteer at the Teacher McKnight fundraising event held each year for her school, and participates in Miami fundraisers like Autism walks. During her summers, she spends time with her family and enjoys traveling abroad, especially to Spain.
Delgado strives to collaborate with colleagues to improve the classroom experience for students, and tries to create new favorite memories every day.
“I believe that early childhood years are the important period in the growth and development of a child,” said Delgado. “I feel privileged to witness and be a part of the development process that occurs in these years. My job by far is not the easiest, but most rewarding.”
After 13 years of special needs education, Delgado herself has learned from her students “that nothing is impossible!”