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When I began my studies as a biochemistry undergraduate student at the University of Miami, I imagined a future in medicine or research. Teaching wasn’t on my radar.
However, I proudly teach chemistry to Miami Jackson Senior High School students today. I discovered the huge impact you can have on students, even though teaching was not the center of my studies in college.
My journey in education began well before I entered college. I started tutoring in high school and continued throughout college, often helping peers navigate complex science and math concepts. What started as a way to reinforce my learning quickly became something much more meaningful. I found joy in seeing someone’s confidence build and understanding click as I broke down difficult material. I soon realized that I didn’t just love science, but I loved teaching others to love it too.
Still, as a biochemistry major, I was focused on labs, research, and the road to medical school. For years, I wasn’t sure how to turn that passion into a profession. I didn’t have a degree in education, and I didn’t know how to bridge the gap from subject matter knowledge to classroom teaching.
That changed when one of my professors, Dr. Mathew Deroo, one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, told me about a brand-new initiative: Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP).
TAP offers a unique opportunity for individuals from non-education backgrounds to make a supported transition into classroom teaching. I applied right away and joined the first TAP cohort in 2023. This decision has had a lasting and meaningful impact on my career.
TAP gave me the training to walk into a classroom feeling confident and prepared. During the academic year, we studied the history of education and the structure of today’s school systems. In the summer, my science cohort and I built and delivered real lesson plans to summer school students, supporting one another as we stepped into the profession.
We were mentored by experienced educators and pushed to grow through collaboration and feedback. TAP showed that a passion for students, coupled with rigorous preparation, can be just as powerful as a traditional education degree.
This year, I’ve had the privilege of teaching 11th and 12th grade chemistry at Miami Jackson, as well as launching a new Biotechnology Magnet for ninth and 10th graders.
It’s been a challenging but deeply fulfilling experience. Watching students who start out saying, “I’m not good at science,” begin to solve complex problems and then support their peers in learning is incredibly rewarding. That transformation, from uncertainty to confidence, is why I teach.
The work hasn’t been without its unique challenges, but what’s made the difference is the support I’ve received from both mentors at TAP and within my school. At Miami Jackson, I’m surrounded by a community of fellow TAP alumni, mentors, and school leaders who genuinely believe in their staff. Whether I need resources, guidance, or encouragement, that network is there. This fall, I was honored to be named Rookie Teacher of the Year at my school, an award that not only reflects my growth but also the power of that support system.
As more people consider a future in education, especially those entering the profession from non-traditional backgrounds, programs like TAP offer a seamless entry point into teaching. Targeting students and career-changers who didn’t major in education but care deeply about learning and want to make a difference. When we’re trained, supported, and valued, we show up and we make an impact. When that happens, both teachers and students thrive.
I’m proud to be a teacher. I’m proud to be a TAP alum, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity this program gave me to lead with confidence and purpose, backed by an ever-supporting community that’s walking beside me.
This journey proves that when passionate individuals are given the tools to lead and the support to thrive, students benefit in powerful ways, making Miami-Dade County Public Schools your best choice.
If you’re interested in learning more about Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) or want to apply to join the next cohort, visit teacheraccelerator.org.
Selena Wang is a chemistry teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High School, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
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