Getting to Know Ms. Pujadas
By Carlos Roig, junior, iPrep Academy
By Carlos Roig, junior, iPrep Academy
Our New Leader, by Carlos Roig, Junior iPrep Academy
Our new principal, Ms. Barbara Soto Pujadas is a career educator and administrator who began her career in Homestead as a Middle School English teacher where she taught underserved migrant children. When relaying her history, she said that those years were “an amazing experience,” and she credits this time as learning how to encourage children to love school. From her years at elementary schools, she explains that one of the most essential elements of education is “making sure that we are connecting with students and families.” After that, she was a teacher at Booker T. Washington High School and Jose D. Diego Middle School, and she became an Assistant Principal at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School. Her first principal-ship was at Irving and Beatrice Pesko K-8 Center. And, for sixteen years she was the principal of Henry S. West Laboratory School. At West Lab, she inspired students to become their best. Now, she is excited to help iPrep maintain its unique and welcoming environment. |
Who Is Ms. Pujadas?
Ms. Pujadas is Cuban and Puerto Rican American, Miami-born and raised, and has evolved through the MDCPS system. Following a change of major to follow her heart, she earned a Bachelor’s in English Education at Nova Southeastern and a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages) while simultaneously working for her certification in Educational Leadership. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks along the beach, and having a good book by her side.
Vision for iPrep
In Ms. Pujadas’ first year at iPrep, she seeks to learn and observe the school’s culture and students, with a keen interest in the high school and its educational process. Her first goal is to improve the retention of students throughout all grades, as she has already formed a committee to execute this task. She also seeks to refine grading practices within the Lower School, ensuring alignment with the school and district standards; with this, she hopes to attain a clearer picture of each student's abilities.
Most of all, she plans to maintain visibility to all students: walking through the school at least three times a week, attending lunches when she can, and scheduling more activities throughout the campus. Having the experience as a teacher, parent, and student, she has a deep understanding of how to connect with all three, creating a more integrated school experience.
The faculty staff and students heartily welcome Ms. Barbara Soto Pujadas and are equally excited as she is for our future successes.
Ms. Pujadas is Cuban and Puerto Rican American, Miami-born and raised, and has evolved through the MDCPS system. Following a change of major to follow her heart, she earned a Bachelor’s in English Education at Nova Southeastern and a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages) while simultaneously working for her certification in Educational Leadership. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks along the beach, and having a good book by her side.
Vision for iPrep
In Ms. Pujadas’ first year at iPrep, she seeks to learn and observe the school’s culture and students, with a keen interest in the high school and its educational process. Her first goal is to improve the retention of students throughout all grades, as she has already formed a committee to execute this task. She also seeks to refine grading practices within the Lower School, ensuring alignment with the school and district standards; with this, she hopes to attain a clearer picture of each student's abilities.
Most of all, she plans to maintain visibility to all students: walking through the school at least three times a week, attending lunches when she can, and scheduling more activities throughout the campus. Having the experience as a teacher, parent, and student, she has a deep understanding of how to connect with all three, creating a more integrated school experience.
The faculty staff and students heartily welcome Ms. Barbara Soto Pujadas and are equally excited as she is for our future successes.