Bringing Fairdale Together: Teaching & Learning Pathway Connects Community Across Cultures

Fairdale is a close-knit, multicultural community where students grow up together, attend the same schools, and return to give back. Nowhere is this spirit more evident than in Fairdale High School’s Teaching and Learning Pathway, where students from various backgrounds gain hands-on teaching experience while building bridges across languages and cultures.

Hands-On Experience, Real Community Impact

Sophomores like Thayla, Zayoha, and Jacqueline are already making a difference at Coral Ridge Elementary. Thayla, who moved from Cuba, has been passionate about teaching since she was young. “Me gusta enseñar,” she shares-“I like to teach.” Zayoha, from Venezuela, dreams of becoming an attorney but loves caring for kids and sees herself as a leader, teaching first grade and connecting with students who are new to the country.

Jacqueline’s story highlights the heart of Fairdale’s community spirit. This year, while interning at Coral Ridge, she met a first-grade student who had just arrived in the United States and spoke no English. The student was shy and reserved, but Jacqueline-whose parents are from Mexico-reached out by printing worksheets in Spanish. The moment the little girl saw her own language, she broke down in tears of happiness and quickly formed a close bond with Jacqueline. Even after Jacqueline moved to observe a different class, the student continued to greet her in the hallway and is now thriving at school.

Creativity and Connection in the Classroom

Juniors like Aylin are extending this spirit of inclusion even further. Inspired by her own experience as a newcomer, Aylin wrote a children’s book about Ximena, a girl facing her first day in a U.S. classroom. “All the books in the library were in English,” Aylin remembers. “I want all students to feel included, no matter the language.” Her book, co-authored with Ramon, placed third at the Educators Rising state competition and now helps other students feel seen and supported. Ramon adds, “Being different used to feel like a bad thing. Now it’s a good different.”

Aylin, who is in the Cambridge program and teaches orchestra, loves collaborating with students at events like math nights and field days. She’s found her calling in the classroom and is already inspiring others to embrace their own stories.

Senior Reflections: Giving Back Where It All Began

For seniors, the pathway is a homecoming. Many return to Fairdale Elementary, Coral Ridge, or Lassiter Middle-the very schools they once attended. Alyssa, interning in her old classroom, laughs, “They always tell me I look like Snow White. They’re always hugging me when I walk in the door.” The connection is mutual and deep.

Madyson, reflecting on their Teaching and Learning teacher Mrs. Patricia (PJ) Concepcion, says, “She’s definitely the most outgoing and supportive teacher.” Madyson also shares, “I’ve always loved helping people, even if it’s small. I want kids to feel supported and loved.”

A Lasting Legacy of Community

Fairdale’s Teaching and Learning Pathway is a living example of what happens when a community comes together to support, include, and uplift every child. With students returning to serve the schools that shaped them, Fairdale is building a legacy of compassion, connection, and opportunity–one classroom, and one relationship, at a time.