About Ms.Miranda
My name is Neftali Miranda or some may call me Ms.Miranda. I am currently a second year 3rd grade DLI teacher in the Moreno Valley school district. Thus far, I have learned an abundance from my admin, colleagues and students. I can’t wait to learn more in the years that follow! I am excited to share my journey with you!
College:
Surprisingly, when I began college I was a kinesiology major. I fell into the trap of pursuing a career based on annual income versus following your passion. However, It took me three years to realize that I was miserable in that major and finally made a decision that changed my life forever! Once I switched my major to Liberal Studies to finally pursue a teaching career. I went on to receive my AA and soon transferred to a four year where I received my Bachelors in Liberal Studies with a depth of study in Science from Cal State San Marcos. Soon after, I began the Bilingual Credential Program the following Fall at Cal State San Marcos where I received my BCLAD.
Growing Up:
When I was growing up, I was the middle child of my immediate family and the second oldest girl in my entire family. Being one of the oldest of the cousins I gravitated towards finding myself as a nurturer who always was willing to help. As a result of this, I gravitated to taking the leader role and playing teacher with all my cousins and brothers. Growing up I looked up to my 3rd grade teacher who taught me to love the struggle of being a student who was learning English as a second language. I began doing community service hours when I began high school at the elementary school I attended. My mother and father have also taken a major role in my triumphs as I have always wanted to make them proud. My parents did not have the opportunities I did. Therefore, their adversities ignited a fire in me all my life and took me down the path of following my dreams and becoming an elementary school teacher.
Experience:
Student teaching was a long, trying, and learning experience for me. I had the opportunity to experience opposite ends of the spectrum. My first student teaching assignment was in a kindergarten dual language classroom and my second assignment was in a 5th grade dual language classroom. These experiences allowed me to learn what I did and didn’t want to implement in my own teaching philosophies and in the classroom. I had to commute throughout my year of student teaching from Oceanside to Murrieta which in reality, isn’t too far but with traffic nowadays it would be a trip of an hour to an hour and ten one way. It’s safe to say that I was tired of commuting daily. However, even though the commute was not my favorite, my kids were my favorite part of the day because they always had a way to brighten my day and teach me something new!
Why I teach♡
I teach because it is what my heart has gravitated towards ever since I can remember. It is a passion of mine and an occupation that is so giving. With that said, this first year has been the most overwhelming, stressful, exhausting, but rewarding year of my entire life. I go to school everyday excited to see what I will learn about my students academically and emotionally. I had the opportunity to teach my students about fractions, multiplication, Spanish grammar, english grammar, the life cycle of butterflies, social emotional regulation, etc. I become overwhelmed with emotions as my first year comes to an end because my students have grown immensely, not just academically but emotionally. It saddens me to know I will not have this group of students next year but it excites me to wonder about all the great things they will do in their life. My favorite part of teaching was connecting with families and being an anchor for others. This is why I teach.
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