NSU Horizons Fall 2010

18 horizons PABLO G. ORTIZ, M.S., Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Provost, Miami Edison Senior High Becoming an administrator was not on Pablo G. Ortiz’s radar when he began his teaching career. His goal was to teach high school and become a college baseball coach. During his first job as a physical education teacher, he met a principal who recognized his leader- ship qualities. This positive feedback encouraged him to enroll in a master’s degree program at NSU’s Fischler School. From there, Ortiz worked his way up, as assistant principal and principal, before be- ing promoted to provost at Miami Edison Senior High in 2009. “What attracted me most to NSU was how the program is tailored to working professionals,” Ortiz said. “You can build your coursework, curriculum, and assignments based on what you are currently doing.” Ortiz is the first person to hold the title of provost at Miami Edison, located in the heart of Little Haiti. The title was created to give the school a college image. Last year, Edison spruced up its campus and created new academic programs. The magnet school is hoping to attract students with the programs, which require students to specialize in international studies, public affairs and health, the arts, or an honors program. Ortiz, who earned his Ed.D. in 2002, was always a high performer. In 2006, while principal of the first bilingual school in Miami-Dade, he was named Principal of the Year. The school was nationally and internation- ally recognized as a model for dual-language bilin- gual education. “Good, solid teachers are always needed,” he said. “It is a highly marketable skill. For someone raising a family, teaching is a wonderful vehicle because it provides a set schedule and job security.” Top to bottom: Pablo G. Ortiz, Vicki Folds, Melanie Bazarte, Viktor J. Joganow