More than 300 new teachers are gearing up for their first day in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), receiving a warm welcome and motivational push from Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres during the district’s annual new teacher induction week at Miami Springs Senior High School.
“You can build a career with us, so congratulations for joining us,” Dotres told the rookie educators, recalling his own early days in the classroom. He noted that the induction program — which pairs newcomers with veteran teachers for training and apprenticeships — is designed to better prepare them before they face students for the first time.
The push to recruit and train new teachers comes amid a nationwide shortage that has also affected South Florida. Dotres said the district is casting a wide net, bringing in professionals not only from the education field but also from science, technology, and other industries.
“It is a challenge to sometimes locate and recruit teachers,” Dotres said. “And they don’t always have to come from the education field, we want scientists, we want mathematicians, we want folks with technology backgrounds, so we are recruiting from many different pathways, right?”
On Friday, Dotres shifted his focus to the wider district during his annual “Opening of Schools” address at Miami Senior High School. The speech marked the launch of the 2025-2026 school year and the 140th anniversary of M-DCPS.
This year, the district is rolling out new initiatives, including integrating artificial intelligence into select magnet high schools, a partnership with Google, and programs in space exploration, journalism, and coding. Dotres said these efforts will give students “even more opportunities” to explore career paths.
“Every conversation, every interaction, every impression is a chance to remind families that we are their best choice,” he told the audience, emphasizing the district’s commitment to competing with charter and private schools.
“We are the best choice, we have the greatest number of programs, we have the greatest number of resources, supports for their children, and we are competing with charter schools, private schools, as we know that we can provide the best for any student in this community,” said Dotres.
The superintendent also unveiled “Edventures 305,” a home-viewing program highlighting district services and opportunities for students.
The first day of classes for Miami-Dade schools is Thursday.
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