Dr. Precious Symonette has garnered immense admiration from her students at Miami Norland Senior High School, where her impact as an educator extends beyond the classroom. Recognized this year as the 2025 National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, Dr. Symonette combines her passion for teaching with innovative methodologies that resonate deeply with her students’ lives and experiences. As a former Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year, her commitment to nurturing student creativity and storytelling shines through, showcasing an extraordinary blend of personal touch and professional excellence.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Dr. Symonette’s Teaching Philosophy |
| 2) Awards and Recognition |
| 3) Upcoming Iceland Journey |
| 4) Student Engagement Strategies |
| 5) The Impact of Writing Education |
Dr. Symonette’s Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Precious Symonette’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in understanding and empathy. By encouraging her students to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through writing, she creates an environment where they feel comfortable sharing and exploring their identities. As she puts it, “I like to see my students shine,” showcasing her dedication to their personal narratives. Her students, such as junior RickStephan Jean, appreciate this warmth, stating that Dr. Symonette provides a unique comfort that they do not find with other educators. Additionally, classmate Janice Ducheine regards her as a second mother, emphasizing the supportive space she fosters.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Dr. Symonette received the prestigious title of Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year in 2016. This accolade served as a precursor to her latest achievement: being appointed the 2025 National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Echoing her surprise at receiving the award, she expressed,
“It was a moonshot moment, like I never thought that I’d be selected.”
This accolade is not just a personal milestone but reflects her significant contributions to education and her impact on students’ lives.
Upcoming Iceland Journey
This summer, Dr. Symonette will embark on an exciting journey to Iceland, where she will immerse herself in Viking history, a theme that resonates with her school’s mascot. This opportunity aligns with her commitment to experiential learning and her philosophy of integrating real-world experiences into her teaching. Engaging in activities such as science experiments and a polar plunge, she sees these encounters as teaching tools. While in Iceland, she is also planning to visit Greenland, expanding her educational adventures. These experiences will not only enrich her own understanding but also serve as a reservoir of knowledge to share with her students upon her return.
Student Engagement Strategies
Dr. Symonette ensures her students remain engaged and enthusiastic about their education. She has involved them in preparing for her Iceland journey by assigning a creative homework task called ‘3-2-1.’ Students have been asked to list three things to look for while she is in Iceland, two activities to participate in, and one question to pose to locals. This interactive approach allows students to share their insights and take ownership of their learning experiences, fostering a two-way learning relationship. RickStephan Jean articulates this sentiment, noting that Dr. Symonette has a way of making learning enjoyable and seamless, where “you learn things while it doesn’t feel like you’re learning anything.”
The Impact of Writing Education
Dr. Symonette is unequivocally committed to nurturing her students’ writing skills, believing strongly in the power of writing as a versatile tool in various career paths. She strives to help each student become published authors, empowering them to recognize the significance of writing in articulating their thoughts and experiences. She asserts, “I’m here to educate them and at the end of the day, I want all my students to be published writers.” Her dedication ensures that students learn transferable skills that extend beyond the classroom, laying a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Precious Symonette’s teaching style is characterized by empathy and a commitment to student storytelling. |
| 2 | She was named Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year in 2016 and the 2025 National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. |
| 3 | Dr. Symonette is set to travel to Iceland for educational experiences related to Viking history. |
| 4 | She engages her students through creative assignments like the ‘3-2-1’ activity. |
| 5 | Her goal is to instill writing skills in her students, promoting them as future authors and enhancing their career opportunities. |
Summary
The story of Dr. Precious Symonette encapsulates the essence of educational dedication. Her ability to connect personally with students while maintaining professional excellence is a testament to the impact an educator can have on young lives. Through her innovative teaching strategies and commitment to helping students express themselves, Dr. Symonette not only prepares her students for writing but also empowers them to navigate their personal journeys as budding authors. Her upcoming experiences in Iceland serve as an extension of her vibrant teaching philosophy, promising to enrich her future lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What motivates Dr. Symonette in her teaching?
Dr. Symonette is motivated by the desire to see her students shine and succeed, particularly in expressing their thoughts and stories through writing.
Question: What is the significance of the National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow award?
The award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to youth education and innovative teaching practices, allowing them to further enrich their knowledge and teaching methodologies.
Question: How are Dr. Symonette’s students involved in her professional development?
Her students actively participate by providing input on her travels and learning experiences, allowing them to engage creatively with the curriculum.
