Teacher Feature: Rachel Unger

Introducing Rachel Unger 

Rachel Unger, our beloved 4th and 5th Grade teacher, has been a Miami Beach resident since she was 2.5 years old. She graduated from Ransom Everglades High School and attended the University of Miami, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and earned a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Reading and Learning Disabilities.

Rachel began her teaching career at North Miami Elementary and South Pointe Elementary where she was consecutively awarded the “Rookie” Teacher of the Year Award and then Teacher of the Year. She also created and implemented a curriculum for parent child classes at Temple Beth Sholom and then taught Pre-K at the Innovative School for 3 years. She was the sole recipient of the 2016-2017 Countywide “Values Matter Kindness Award” awarded by Miami Dade County Public Schools. Also, in 2017 she was declared a “Woman Worth Knowing” by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Education. In 2021, Rachel decided to rejoin The Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom and it was the very best decision (see below for “why?”)

Simultaneously with her efforts in the classroom, Rachel has been an active and engaged member at Temple Beth Sholom since 1983. Rachel is a co-chair of the Social Justice Network at Temple Beth Sholom and has also been a captain of multiple Mitzvah Day projects throughout the years as well as having been the Vice-President on the Board of Trustees. She regularly volunteers for countless local organizations including P.A.C.T, NCJW Miami, the Kosher Food Bank, Food Rescue South Florida, and Lotus House. Volunteering with these organizations supports a wide array of local issues including food insecurity (an issue close to her heart), gun violence prevention, reproductive justice and environmental concerns.  

When Rachel is not out making our community a better place, she enjoys exercising (she is addicted to her peloton bike and treadmill) and spending time with her husband Michael, as well as with her greatest accomplishments, her children Max and Ellie, and let’s not forget her HUGE puppies Lincoln and Duke.

See below for Rachel’s Interview…

Talk to us about your passions…

As a teacher, I am passionate about sharing my love of reading with my learners. I am also incredibly excited when I am able to share math skills with my learners in a way that allows them to fully understand the concepts. As a citizen of this world, my passion lies in social justice work. I am incredibly involved in working with many issues that are plaguing Miami-Dade County. I work each weekend to combat food insecurity with Food Rescue US.  As the co-chair of the Social Justice Network, I am working to help Temple Beth Sholom become a more sustainable synagogue. I love to work out on my Peloton, running and cycling.  Finally, my family is everything and I love spending time with my kids, husband, and dogs.  I feel so happy when we are all together. 

What do you love about the Innovative School?

The Innovative School is the best place that I have been lucky to work in!  I love the supportive nature in which we all work together as a staff.  Stacy is an incredible guide as we journey through teaching and learning with our learners.  I also love that we are able to use the learner’s passions as our curriculum.  Emerging curriculum rooted in KEHILLA values is ideal. I am grateful for the warm, welcoming, and community driven focus that is found at The Innovative School. I am also impressed and elated by the rigor and high-level expectations that are set for the learners and teachers alike. There is no other place that is as special and unique as the Innovative School. Each learner receives individualized lessons that work to enhance their strengths and support their growth. I feel super lucky to be a part of this fantastic teaching and learning team. 

What stands out to you about the learners?

The learners at the Innovative School are curious, thoughtful, kind and intelligent.  They have firm beliefs and are eager to always share their thinking and listen to others as they share theirs. I enjoy being able to see the way each learner approaches an inquiry or the task at hand.