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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.
Riera’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.
Explore more about her journey, her inspirations, and how Motivating Minds Academy is shaping the future of education in the Coconut Grove community.
Q: What inspired you to get you into teaching?
Riera: 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.
Q: Motivating Minds Academy has a unique approach to education. What inspired you to pursue a more nontraditional approach to schooling?
Riera: 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.
Q: 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?
Riera: 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.
Q: How do you figure out what works best for each student, and how do you tailor their education to best fit their needs?
Riera: 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.
Q: 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?
Riera: 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.
Q: Outside of school, what’s your passion?
Riera: 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 Academy
Motivating Minds Academy inspires students and families in the Grove with its innovative, student-centered approach. For more information, visit their website at https://motivatingmindsacademy.co/ or stop by the campus to witness the magic of holistic learning in action, at 3121 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133.
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