Dawn Vasquez celebrated as West Broward’s CTE Teacher of the Year

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TEACHING FOR THE FUTURE: Dawn Vazquez dedicates her time inside and outside school to make sure that all her students are ready for the future.

By: Adrian Baez, Jonathan Gossett

Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers instruct classes that not only educate students but also prepare and certify them to enter the workforce when they graduate. At West Broward, these CTE pathways encompass classes like computer sciences, culinary arts, early childhood education, and engineering. And for our school, there is no better example than Dawn Vasquez, West Broward’s CTE Teacher of the Year recipient and Broward County’s CTE Teacher of the Year nominee

Vazquez works the preschool at West Broward, teaching the children of teachers and staff, and guides Early Childhood Education 4 students through their last year and into the workforce. Vasquez has been directing the Early Childhood program since its opening in 2008.

“I am what I call an OC, or what you would call an original cat. This is my 18th year at West Broward, and I’ve basically built this program from the ground up. For me, teaching is not a job, it’s more of a passion, I love what I do. And I think that comes across to the students and to the parents that entrust us with their little ones here on campus, said Vazquez.

Vazquez graduated from Barry University in Miami with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, as well as a certification from the state. Over the years, she has added several certifications, including birth to four education. Vasquez became a Bobcat in 2008 as the Early Childhood Education Director.

“CTE classes are so much more than just what you’re teaching. But the mentorship aspect, and Ms. Vasquez, you know, is such a great example of being a mentor for her kids,” said CTE Department Head Tara Terrible .

A SPOTTED CELEBRATION: Ms. Vazquez and her students all dress up as the 101 dalmations to celebrate making it 101 days into the school year.

Vasquez says that she has always wanted to teach children and takes great pride in helping her students become certified. She is very energetic and passionate in her teaching. She doesn’t just focus on the curriculum material, but also the day-to-day skills needed in adult life. She teaches her early childhood four students how to write a cover letter, how to manage a LinkedIn and Indeed profile. She guides them not just through obtaining an Early Childhood Education certification, but also prepares them for the secondary certification of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

“She is a very inspirational person, and she’s always driving and motivating people to do her best, especially when I come to me and other students in her classroom. I decided to stay because the second year that I stayed she came and jumped on a table”, said Adrianna Wilson, West Broward Junior.

Winning this award is no easy feat. To succeed, Vazquez had to stand out from her CTE teacher peers. The award was voted on by CTE director Tara Terribile, and school administration. On Feb 26 she will be attending an event held by the Broward Education Foundation, where Broward County’s CTE Teacher of the Year will be announced.

“Ms. Vazquez embodies what a CTE teacher is. She is dedicated to the program, her preschool students and her high school students. She is so full of energy that you can’t help to go and visit her class and not be excited”, said Assistant Principal, Frank Jones-Gonzalez.