Ms. Unger earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Miami with a double major in Elementary Education/ESOL and Art Photography.  She graduated on the Dean’s List with a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Miami with a major in Reading and Learning Disabilities.  She has aspirations of pursuing a Doctorate Degree in the near future.

Ms. Unger is a member of the University of Miami Support Network for beginning teachers.  She is a member of Temple Beth Shalom and has taught Saturday School for the past three years.  She is a member of the University Alumni Association.  She is currently participating in a one on one after school private tutoring program in math and reading.  Here at North Miami Elementary, Ms. Unger is an EESAC member.  She also created with help of family and friends, the beautiful mural that enhances our cafeteria.  Last year Ms. Unger spearheaded an after school-tutoring program for low performing students.

Ms. Unger is a do it yourselfer…from installing a fence, putting up storm shutters, or painting her home…she is not afraid of hard work.  She transfers this work ethic to her students on a daily basis.  It is evident as soon as you step into her classroom that work is going on at all times.  There is no time for wasted moments.  She is currently teaching a third grade focus class of retained students.  Last year with the same student population, the learning gains were quite significant.  100% of the students started on level one, 26% stayed the same, 16% improved to level 2, 37% went to a level 3, and 21% achieved level 4.  58% of the students improved two levels.  The majority started the class reading on the pre-primer level, and almost all left reading on grade level.  This was a tremendous task.  She didn’t think she was up for the challenge, but knew she had to overcome the hurdle.  Children who had been labeled “helpless” and “doomed to fail” are making a difference in their own lives by learning.

This is Ms. Unger’s fifth year of teaching at North Miami Elementary.  She taught TEAM (Teaching Enrichment Activities to Achieving Minorities) prior to this year as well as a regular third grade class.

Ms. Unger has been quoted as saying, “I am devoted to a profession, and I am lucky because I love it”.  “I am in a profession that makes me happier and more fulfilled than anything else I can ever imagine doing”.  The rewards received are neither monetary nor tangible, but are found in the minds and actions of her students.  There are rewards when a parent thanks her for being their child’s teacher, when a student claps at the end of a story being read, or when a smile lights up a child’s face after they realize they understand a concept, or even when the whole class may burst into laughter after a joke in a story is explained to them.