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New hub at Padrón Campus empowers teachers to innovate, collaborate and lead in the age of AI
Miami Dade College (MDC) has announced the opening of the Excellence Center for Educator Learning (ExCEL) at Padrón Campus, a dynamic new space designed to inspire current and future educators through innovation, technology integration, and professional growth. The College marked the occasion with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and AI Retreat for Educators on Saturday, November 8.
“Miami Dade College is leading the way in tackling Florida’s teacher shortage by creating clear, accessible pathways into the profession for recent graduates, career changers, and working professionals alike,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “Through EXCEL, we’re expanding these initiatives and offering a dynamic space for educators statewide to upskill in critical areas like artificial intelligence, ensuring they’re equipped to lead in the classrooms of tomorrow.”
The Center offers a full range of programs, including pathways for career-changers seeking certification through the Educator Preparation Institute, endorsement and renewal courses, and specialized professional learning in instructional design, AI integration, and evidence-based teaching practices. With access across MDC’s seven campuses, ExCEL ensures educators at every stage of their career can continue developing their skills while meeting Florida’s evolving certification and professional growth requirements.
ExCEL spans more than 16,000 square feet and features seven flexible, reconfigurable classrooms, three Digital Interactive Learning Studios, and an AI Innovation Lab equipped with Promethean Boards, mixed-reality teaching simulators, and advanced instructional design software. The center can accommodate over 300 educators at a time and is designed to support both in-person and hybrid professional learning.
“Our goal is to make ExCEL a living laboratory for teaching excellence,” said Dr. Carmen S. Concepción, Dean of the School of Education at MDC. “Here, educators explore the intersection of technology and pedagogy—testing innovative strategies, harnessing the power of AI, and collaborating to design classrooms where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Through workshops, certification programs, and professional learning opportunities, ExCEL is expected to serve more than 1,500 educators and teacher candidates annually, providing access to state-aligned coursework, research-based instructional practices, and emerging technologies that directly enhance teaching and student learning throughout Miami-Dade County. By connecting theory, practice, and innovation, ExCEL strengthens the local teacher pipeline, enhances instructional quality, and creates a sustainable model for professional learning that keeps educators—and their students—at the forefront of success.
The opening event featured interactive breakout sessions on artificial intelligence in curriculum design, data-informed instruction, and emerging technologies for personalized learning. Sessions were led by MDC School of Education faculty, alongside experts from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and local edtech organizations. A Fireside Chat moderated by President Pumariega brought together district leaders and MDC faculty to discuss the evolving role of educators and how AI is reshaping classrooms.
According to the School Pulse Panel (SPP)[1], a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 69 percent of school leaders have a favorable view of teachers using AI to support their work. A majority moderately or strongly agree that integrating AI tools will make teachers’ jobs easier (72 percent), help educators stay relevant (70 percent), and enhance overall classroom effectiveness (67 percent). MDC’s ExCEL Center directly responds to these emerging needs by providing a dedicated space where educators can reimagine teaching, strengthen digital fluency, and reignite their passion for lifelong learning.
At Miami Dade College’s Excellence Center for Educator Learning (ExCEL), AI is woven into the fabric of teacher preparation. Through specialized training, such as the new Future Ready Teaching: AI Applications in the Classroom certificate, educators learn to responsibly integrate AI tools, personalize instruction, and design technology-enhanced learning environments. ExCEL ensures that every educator—whether new to the classroom or an experienced professional—has the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding to lead in an AI-driven educational landscape.
For more information contact Dr. Carmen Concepción, cconcep1@mdc.edu, 305-237-6152.
About MDC’s School of Education
Miami Dade College’s School of Education (SOE) is a beacon of excellence in teacher preparation and professional learning, committed to fostering innovation and ensuring access to quality education. With personalized pathways, SOE equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for success in today’s classrooms. Guided by high-quality faculty and education experts, SOE prioritizes academic rigor and immersive experiential learning opportunities, while forging strategic partnerships to drive positive change in Miami-Dade County and beyond. By nurturing transformative leaders and fostering a culture of collaboration and lifelong learning, the SOE empowers educators to inspire and shape the future of education. Visit https://www.mdc.edu/education/ for more information.
About ExCEL
The Excellence Center for Educator Learning (ExCEL) is MDC’s dedicated space for teachers to innovate, collaborate, and lead. Designed with educators’ growth in mind, ExCEL provides professional learning opportunities, advanced instructional tools, and flexible environments to elevate teaching practice. Whether entering the teacher pipeline, renewing certification, or integrating AI into the classroom, ExCEL serves as a hub for professional transformation grounded in the cognitive science of learning and high-impact teaching strategies. Learn more at www.mdc.edu/education/excel
