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A Conversation with Motivating Minds Academy Founder Betty Riera
Education is a journey of transformation, not just for students but for educators as well. Betty Riera, founder of the Motivating Minds Academy, understands this better than most. With a passion for holistic, personalized education, she has dedicated her career to fostering environments where students learn to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Betty’s path to teaching began long before her official teaching career, and her enthusiasm for the achievement of others has always made her a natural educator. Today, her academy is known for its unique approach to tailoring each child’s education to their learning style, all while nurturing their overall development.
So today, we sat down with Betty to learn more about her journey, her inspirations, and how Motivating Minds Academy is shaping the future of education here in the Grove.
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BID: So, let’s zoom out briefly before getting an up-close look at your amazing undertaking here in Coconut Grove’s Business Improvement District. What got you into teaching?
Betty: Well, educating and planting seeds of knowledge have always been something I’ve naturally been drawn to do. It’s more than just teaching in a classroom—it’s about educating on all fronts. Even as a child, I would help my family members with homework and school projects by cutting out encyclopedia pages and putting book reports together for them right at my parent’s kitchen table. That early experience and inspiration from some of the impactful teachers I had growing up ignited a love for teaching and leading.
“When students have a say in their learning process, they’re more engaged and motivated.”
BID: Motivating Minds Academy has a unique approach to education. What inspired you to pursue a more nontraditional approach to schooling?
Betty: Our methods are born from a belief that traditional educational methods are too broad and don’t serve every student effectively. We were inspired by student-centered learning models, which emphasize student choice and autonomy. Research shows that when students have a say in their learning process, they’re more engaged and motivated. We also believe education should focus on the whole person—not just their academics but also their social, emotional, and creative development.
This holistic approach, paired with real-world applications and soft skills like critical thinking and collaboration, ensures our students are prepared for their future outside the classroom. We also recognize that every student learns differently, so we adapt our instruction methods to meet diverse learning styles. Ultimately, we aim to create a more engaging, relevant, and supportive learning experience.
BID: As you mentioned, Motivating Minds focuses on helping students develop skills for life outside the classroom. So, how do you ensure your kids thrive academically, socially, and emotionally?
Betty: We take a comprehensive approach to helping our students thrive in all aspects of their lives. We personalize academic learning to fit each student’s strengths, interests, and needs. This means individualized learning plans and real-world projects that make learning more engaging and relevant. Socially, we emphasize collaborative learning, encourage leadership roles in school activities, and focus on conflict resolution and cultural awareness to help our students navigate real-world challenges. Emotionally, we integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into our daily curriculum, which promotes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and coping strategies. Our supportive environment ensures that every student feels valued, heard, and nurtured, allowing them to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
“Once we identify how a student learns best, we tailor their instruction accordingly.”
BID: You mention that each student has a unique learning style. How do you figure out what works best for each student, and how do you tailor their education to best fit their needs?
Betty: Understanding each student’s learning style is key to our approach. We start by conducting initial assessments, including surveys, diagnostic tests, and observational methods, to gauge their strengths, interests, and learning preferences. We also listen to feedback from students and parents, which gives us a fuller picture of their needs. Once we identify how a student learns best—whether through visual aids, hands-on activities, or group work—we tailor their instruction accordingly. This might involve personalized learning plans, flexible grouping strategies, or varied assessment methods to give them different opportunities to demonstrate their understanding. We also adjust their learning plans regularly, ensuring that we continue to meet their evolving needs.
BID: With over a decade of experience, how has your approach to teaching evolved over time? What motivates you to try and implement new education techniques?
Betty: My teaching approach has evolved quite a bit over the years, haha! Most changes are driven by research, feedback, and a commitment to improvement. In the beginning, my methods were more traditional, but over time, I’ve shifted toward more personalized, student-centered learning. We now rely heavily on research-based practices, like project-based learning and experiential learning strategies. These tend to foster deeper understanding and engagement. We’ve also incorporated digital tools to enhance our curriculum and prepare students for the modern world. I’m passionate about student success, which usually depends on how they adapt to their changing needs. I’m also constantly inspired by the feedback we receive from our students and community, which keeps pushing me to evolve our practices.
“rooted in the community, we regularly connect with local schools, businesses, and organizations.”
BID: How do you connect with other schools, organizations, and businesses in the Grove, including those in the Coconut Grove BID? Do you ever collaborate with them to help your students and the community grow together?
Betty: Yes indeed! We’re rooted in the Coconut Grove community and regularly connect with local schools, businesses, and organizations. We actively participate in community events and forums, which helps us build relationships with other educators and community leaders. We also collaborate with local businesses like Shake-A-Leg Miami and School of Rock, offering our students real-world learning experiences alongside some of the best at their crafts. These partnerships enrich our curriculum and strengthen our ties to the community.
BID: As a long-time educator with deep ties to Miami, how does being part of the colorful and culturally-rich Coconut Grove community shape what you do at Motivating Minds?
Betty: The Grove’s vibrant, diverse culture is a massive influence on what we do at the Academy. I was born and raised here, so this community has always inspired me personally. We embrace the rich cultural heritage of the Grove by incorporating local traditions, arts, and music into our curriculum. This makes learning more enjoyable for our students and helps them develop a deeper appreciation for their community. Whether through field trips to local landmarks or by inviting guest speakers from the neighborhood, we’re always looking for ways to connect our students with the vibrant culture of Coconut Grove.
BID: There appears to be an emphasis on creating a sense of belonging for students. What activities do you have to help foster that strong sense of community among your students?
Betty: Building a strong sense of community is central to our philosophy at Motivating Minds. We hold regular community meetings where students, staff, and families come together to celebrate achievements and discuss important topics. We also have various student-run clubs and organizations that cater to a range of interests, allowing students to connect with their peers in meaningful ways. We also host cultural celebrations and annual events, such as fairs and talent shows, providing opportunities for the whole school community to unite and strengthen bonds. Additionally, we organize community service projects so students can contribute directly to the area, helping them develop a sense of responsibility and a deeper connection to their community.
BID: Outside of school, what’s your passion?
Betty: When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, going on ocean adventures, practicing yoga and meditation, and taking my dog, Rocky, for long walks! I’m also very passionate about health and nutrition—I’m actually certified in nutrition counseling and education skill development. I believe that a balanced lifestyle is key to overall well-being.
ABOUT MOTIVATING MINDS
Motivating Minds Academy inspires students and families in the Grove with its innovative, student-centered approach. For more information, visit their website or stop by their campus to witness the magic of holistic learning in action, at 3121 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133.
