MIAMI, FL — May 2025: Isabel de Feria, a dedicated fifth-grade Spanish teacher at a Miami-Dade public school, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the educational field.
Isabel de Feria’s commitment to her students and her innovative teaching methods have earned her the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award, a regional honor given to educators who go above and beyond in their classrooms. The award, presented by the Cambridge University Press, recognizes teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, improving student outcomes, and promoting lifelong learning.
De Feria’s achievement highlights the continued importance of teachers in shaping the lives of future generations, and her efforts have made a significant impact in the Miami-Dade County educational system.
A Teacher Who Inspires
Isabel de Feria has always been passionate about teaching. Growing up in Miami, she recognized early on the challenges faced by students who come from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are bilingual or learning English as a second language. This realization motivated her to pursue a career in education, and she quickly became known for her ability to connect with her students and create an inclusive, supportive classroom environment.
“I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed,” de Feria said. “In my classroom, I try to make sure that all my students feel seen, heard, and respected, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face.”
Her fifth-grade Spanish class has become a model of how to approach language acquisition in a multicultural setting. De Feria emphasizes cultural diversity, encouraging students to learn not just the Spanish language but also the customs and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. This approach, she believes, helps students not only become better speakers of the language but also more empathetic and globally-minded individuals.
In addition to teaching the language, de Feria incorporates lessons on historical figures, music, food, and even art from Latin American countries, making her class a vibrant and enriching experience for her students. Her passion for teaching and her deep commitment to her students have earned her the respect of both her peers and her community.
Innovative Approaches to Learning
One of the hallmarks of de Feria’s teaching style is her ability to blend traditional and modern methods of instruction. She is known for incorporating interactive technology into her lessons, using educational apps, games, and videos to make language learning engaging and accessible for all students. De Feria’s classroom is equipped with smartboards and tablets, which allow her students to work on projects, practice their language skills, and collaborate with classmates in real-time.
“I believe technology is a tool that can enhance learning, not replace it,” de Feria said. “It’s important to use the resources available to us in a way that makes learning more fun and interactive for the students.”
Her innovative use of technology is just one example of how de Feria adapts her teaching to meet the needs of her students. She is also known for her project-based learning assignments, which encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students in her class work on group projects that require them to research Spanish-speaking cultures, write reports, and give presentations—all while practicing their Spanish language skills.
Fostering Strong Relationships
What sets de Feria apart as an educator is her ability to build strong, personal relationships with her students. She takes the time to get to know each child individually, learning about their interests, family life, and aspirations. By doing so, she is able to tailor her lessons to fit the needs and learning styles of each student, ensuring that they feel motivated and supported in their academic journey.
Her relationship with her students extends beyond the classroom as well. Many of de Feria’s former students continue to stay in touch with her long after they have moved on to middle school, high school, and beyond. She is known for attending her students’ extracurricular activities, such as soccer games, band performances, and art shows, to show her support for their passions.
“My students are like family to me,” de Feria shared. “When I see them excel outside the classroom, it reminds me why I do this work every day. It’s not just about teaching them Spanish—it’s about helping them grow as people.”
Her ability to foster a sense of belonging and confidence in her students has made her a beloved figure in the school community. Many parents and fellow educators have expressed their admiration for her work, praising her for her dedication, kindness, and ability to inspire a love of learning.
A Positive Impact on the Community
De Feria’s impact extends beyond her classroom. As an advocate for bilingual education, she has worked with the Miami-Dade County School District to promote the importance of Spanish language programs in schools. She regularly hosts workshops for other teachers, sharing best practices for teaching Spanish as a second language and helping colleagues incorporate more interactive and culturally responsive methods into their lessons.
Her work has also had a positive influence on the broader Miami community. De Feria frequently collaborates with local organizations to create educational opportunities for underprivileged children. She has organized book drives, language immersion programs, and community events aimed at promoting bilingualism and cultural understanding.
In addition, de Feria has been involved in mentoring new teachers, helping them navigate the challenges of the profession and offering guidance on how to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Her support has been invaluable to many young educators just starting their careers.
“I think it’s important to support other teachers because we all have a shared goal: to help our students succeed,” she said. “The more we work together and share ideas, the stronger our educational community becomes.”
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award is a prestigious recognition that honors teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to education. The award is presented by the Cambridge University Press, a global leader in educational publishing. Teachers nominated for the award must demonstrate a passion for teaching, innovative classroom practices, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their students’ lives.
De Feria’s nomination was supported by a letter from her school principal, who praised her for her tireless work ethic and her ability to inspire students to reach their full potential. “Isabel has created a classroom environment where students are excited to learn, and that excitement carries over into everything they do,” said Principal Veronica Santos. “She truly embodies the spirit of what it means to be a dedicated teacher.”
Receiving the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award is a testament to de Feria’s hard work and passion for education. The award not only recognizes her individual accomplishments but also highlights the importance of educators who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Looking Ahead
As a recipient of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award, Isabel de Feria’s story serves as an inspiration to teachers across the country. She continues to dedicate herself to the profession, always striving to improve her teaching methods and provide the best possible learning experience for her students.
Her next goals include expanding her role as a mentor for other teachers, particularly those working in bilingual education, and continuing to advocate for the importance of language education in Miami’s schools. De Feria remains committed to helping all students achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or challenges.
“We’re shaping the future of our world, one student at a time,” she said. “And that’s the most rewarding part of this job.”
Conclusion
Isabel de Feria’s recognition as a regional winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to education. Through her innovative teaching methods, dedication to her students, and commitment to building a supportive learning environment, she has made a lasting impact on the Miami-Dade community. As she continues to inspire and guide the next generation of learners, de Feria proves that teaching is not just a profession—it’s a calling.