For 37 years, FIU alumnus Roberto Rabelo \u201993 has helped students believe they are capable of more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, the South Miami Middle Community School educator has been named the 2027 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year, recognizing a career built on academic achievement, discipline, compassion, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabelo\u2019s experience at FIU helped shape the discipline and sense of purpose he now brings to the classroom. As a young father balancing college with two jobs, he learned to manage his time, establish priorities, and focus on what mattered most. Today, he teaches those same habits to his students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before students arrive, Rabelo shares the day\u2019s lessons, standards, and responsibilities with parents. He also arrives early to offer additional help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once class begins, students recite 10 positive affirmations designed to reduce anxiety, strengthen focus, and prepare them to learn. His approach has delivered measurable results. His students\u2019 civics End-of-Course assessment scores increased from 64 percent to 83 percent in one year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But his classroom is not built around scores alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy classroom is a sanctuary,\u201d Rabelo said. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where they feel loved, nurtured, and supported.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That philosophy also inspired him to establish The Power of One and ICLK, which stands for Inspiring, Love, and Kindness. Both are student-led initiatives that encourage compassion, kindness, and meaningful community service.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Rabelo, teaching is also a way to honor his parents. His father arrived from Cuba with a suitcase and $23, began working as a dishwasher, and later purchased a restaurant. From his mother, he learned compassion and how to care for others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their influence lives on in a classroom where students are expected to work hard, support one another, and believe they are limitless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n