CTE instructors Shannon Haynes and Ben Rosenthal were honored as Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year, respectively. These award winners are chosen by faculty to recognize outstanding educators.

     Haynes has been teaching at Krop for 32 years and prides herself on her teaching style, which focuses on providing practical skills and knowledge students can use in real-world settings.

     “My entire goal for becoming an educator was because I was very passionate about students, just making sure they have the tools to thrive and be successful as adults,” Haynes said. “I feel like the fruits of my labor are finally flourishing. Winning Teacher of the Year says a lot about the work I’m doing here not just at the school level, but also in the community.”

     Before her time at Krop, Haynes started her career as a dance teacher at Miami Northwestern, where she served as the Director of Dance. She also taught at Jackson Senior High, Jose de Diego Middle School, and Allapattah Middle School. Haynes then started her own business, “Dance Empowers Youth,” which provides opportunities for students who can’t afford dance classes.

     Haynes said her teaching style is diverse, and she likes to have engagement in her classroom. She focuses on looking at her students individually to figure out how each class learns best.

     “She is a good teacher because she cares about her students,” junior Anaya John said. “You can come to her about anything, and she’s funny. She’s a bit tough, but you need that in a teacher, so they don’t let you slack, and she won’t.”

     Rookie award winner Rosenthal gained a lot of experience before beginning his teaching career. He was a substitute teacher at David Posnack Jewish Day School from 2015-2019, a coach, a camp director, studied graphics and advertising, and graduated from Krop. Now in his fifth year at Krop, he said he always tries to bring a positive light to the school.

     “My favorite part of teaching is seeing the students master a skill and the look on their face when it’s something that was difficult or something they didn’t think they could do, and they achieve it,” Rosenthal said.

     Known for his passion and dedication to helping students succeed, Rosenthal’s teaching style focuses on practical skills. He often works side by side with his students, guiding them through each lesson.

     “It’s really cool because you’re picked by your peers. It’s special,” Rosenthal said.

     Rosenthal teaches graphics-related classes where students learn software from Adobe Suite and the printing techniques that accompany it. He views his teaching style as one-on-one, almost like an apprenticeship.

     “He’s an incredibly passionate and funny teacher, he always keeps the class entertained with his jokes, but what really stands out is his kindness,” sophomore Jaslyn Deliot said. “Once, I was feeling down, and he went out of his way to cheer me up, it made a huge difference.”

     He views his teaching style as one-on-one, almost like an apprenticeship.

     “He’s an incredibly passionate and funny teacher, he always keeps the class entertained with his jokes, but what really stands out is his kindness,” sophomore Jaslyn Deliot said. “Once, I was feeling down, and he went out of his way to cheer me up, it made a huge difference.”