Adding up success at Coral Gables Senior High for 23 years, Advanced Placement Pre-Calculus and International Baccalaureate Math Analysis and Approaches Year Two teacher Ms. Reinoso is known for guiding students through challenging equations. After decades of making math click for students, she was recognized for her efforts as she was nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award.
Chosen by a dedicated committee of Gables colleagues for the distinguished recognition, the faculty vote confirmed that she was the perfect fit to represent excellence in education. Thanks to her enthusiasm in the classroom, she has encouraged countless students to approach higher-level math courses with confidence.
Growing up a math lover, Ms. Reinoso enjoyed mentoring her peers in middle school math class and often stayed after school helping younger students tackle tricky algebra problems. Although her early career dream was to become a surgeon, her path led her to teach math after realizing she wanted to leave a daily impact on students the same way her teachers inspired her.
After graduating with a degree in Math education, she began her teaching journey at Gables in 2002, starting with introductory math classes. Throughout her career she has taught math classes varying in skill-sets from Algebra 1 to Pre-Calculus, watching students grow confident in their mathematical skills under her instruction.
“When I first walked into her class freshman year, I instantly knew that she was a dedicated and caring teacher. I love her style of teaching and how I never leave her class confused. She always makes sure everyone understands before moving on, and she uses examples that actually make sense. She is patient, funny and makes learning math less stressful than other classes I have had,” sophomore Isabelle Dominguez said.
By teaching these introductory courses, Ms. Reinoso hopes her students gain strong problem-solving abilities they can apply outside the classroom. Building her experience over the years, she has used these skills to help her connect with students of all levels, working her way up to more advanced courses.
To kick off the 2025-2026 school year, Ms. Reinoso has taken on two brand new courses: AP Pre-Calculus and IB Math AA Year Two. This opportunity presented itself as the math department searched for someone willing to take on new courses and learn the material from scratch. Given the opportunity aligned with her interests, she immediately said yes without hesitation.
To fully understand how students learn math step-by-step in more rigorous classes, Ms. Reinoso dedicated her summer to researching requirements for both curriculums by attending AP and IB workshops and completing online trainings. Once she met with teachers in the math department for guidance and received support from IB coordinator Ms. Van Wyk, Ms. Reinoso felt empowered to help her students succeed in both courses.
Getting students to embrace math using her teaching style, Ms. Reinoso starts off most days with warm-up questions, giving everyone a chance to settle in before diving into new material. Alongside this, she guides her students through concepts step-by-step, using real-world examples to bring her lessons to life.
Over the years, she has transformed her lessons into interactive experiences by encouraging questions, group work and open conversations targeted at where students struggle. At the heart of her methods to simplify difficult problems, her goal is always to make math feel welcoming instead of intimidating.
Expanding her involvement, Ms. Reinoso takes the time to sponsor the Mu Alpha Theta club, helping students who excel in math tutor peers who need extra support. Under her guidance since 2023, the club has grown the reach of its tutoring sessions by offering help more consistently. From personally checking in with tutors to preparing review material, her dedication epitomizes the commitment of a Teacher of the Year nominee.
“She genuinely wants every student to understand math, and she goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. She encouraged us to meet twice a month and always stays after school with us to make sure tutoring runs smoothly and every student feels supported,” senior Adriana Muñoz said.
Beyond solving equations, Ms. Reinoso also sponsors the Gables Bible Club, creating a space where students can grow in their faith and character. By taking on the role since a student asked her to rebuild the club, she has created weekly lessons, built PowerPoints that break down Bible passages and led discussions where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
“I have heard her tell her students that if they need help in math or if they want to expand their knowledge in God that they should come to her clubs. You see the passion and faith she has for her career and overall life. She makes an inspiring mark in everyone’s hearts in a humble way. She always makes beautiful and important PowerPoints that teach the members about the Bible,” senior Michelle Quintana said.
Though she is celebrated for countless milestones in her teaching career, Ms. Reinoso attributes the achievements of the students she has guided over the years as her greatest accomplishment.
“What is most impactful to me is when I see people who I had years ago out in real life and they still remember me. [The] kids know who I am because they passed math with me, and it feels like a full circle moment. Once I ran into a former student who told me they became a teacher because of my class. It reminded me why I do what I do,” Ms. Reinoso said.
With no planning periods, she is almost always in a classroom solving a tough calculation or offering support to a student who needs a helping hand. When she realized she had been nominated for Teacher of the Year, she felt a rush of surprise and joy, grateful for the teachers who believed in her work.
Inspiring generations of students with her dedication, patience and passion for math, Ms. Reinoso ensures all her students leave her classroom with a smile and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Whether she is helping someone finally master a difficult problem or leading an after-school club, her influence continues far beyond tests and formulas.
