Looking for the perfect Florida special education job? Picture yourself living and working in sunny Miami, Florida! Whether you’re an occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, special education teacher, school psychologist, school counselor, or school nurse, Miami, Florida, has a world of educational career opportunities just waiting for you.
There’s a reason Will Smith, Hank Williams, Jr., U-2, Counting Crows, Vanilla Ice, Pitbull, John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffet, and many more musicians have written songs about Miami. If you’ve yet to visit this magical city, you’re in for a treat. You’ll be captivated by Miami’s style, beauty, nightlife, culture, cuisine, music, and beaches!
Miami is home to around 470,000 people, covers 56 square miles (around 6,100 square miles if you include the entire Miami-Dade metro area), and averages 2,300 hours of glorious sunshine each year. There is a great deal to learn about the history of the area. The Tequesta tribe lived at the mouth of the Miami River over 2,600 years ago. The Spanish claimed the region in the 1500s. Spain then ceded the land to the United States in 1821, and the U.S. drove the Seminoles from the region during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s-40s. The city itself is recognized as the only major city in the U.S. founded by a woman – Julia Tuttle, known as “The Mother of Miami.”
If you love sun worshipping, snorkeling or scuba diving, checking out art and architecture, experiencing an authentic café con leche, cruising, kayaking, partying, shopping, or hiking, Miami just may be the perfect spot for you. Visualize yourself living and working in Miami as we explore a few of the eats, arts, and adventures this warm and beautiful city offers.
Miami is made up of many culturally rich neighborhoods and each of them could be a destination of their own. Let’s start with the bustling area of Miami Beach. Although typically a tourist destination, living there will give you vacay vibes all year long. The beach is never a bad idea! A shopper’s haven is how the area of Kendall could be described. You will definitely have your choice of shops and restaurants there. Aventura also has great shopping and a waterfront dog park that’s only welcome to residents of this northern Miami suburb. The Downtown Miami/Brickell area will give you all of the luxuries of living in a big city. Think of upscale restaurants, incredible museums and plenty of entertainment options. Coconut Grove is a great option if you have school-aged children, as the schools there are top rated. For a neighborhood that gives you a nice mix of city and suburb, consider Doral
Love a good foodie festival? Visit the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, put on by the Food Network and Cooking Channel, it’s “a national, star-studded, five-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.” Sounds fun, right?
For a high-end experience, The Surf Club Restaurant offers a continental menu in an atmosphere of a bygone era – the party culture of the 1950s and 60s. If you are looking for something fast, affordable, healthy, and nutritious, check out Delicious Raw Kitchen and Juice Bar at Sunset Harbor, a cool spot with a plant-based menu described as a sanctuary for those who want to improve their lives. And when you simply must have plantains, tostones, medianoche, vaca frita, ropa vieja, flan, or a toasty guava and cream cheese pastry (yum), visit La Caretta. The restaurant is “Miami’s original Cuban kitchen,” was established in 1976, and now has nine locations all over the city, so you’ll be all set when you’re craving Cuban!
If you appreciate a good tea and coffee spot, All Day Miami has all types of accolades. The New York Times puts it “on the must-visit list of coffee fanatics” and Vogue credit’s All Day with “the best cup of coffee in Miami” – and in a city celebrated for its coffee, that’s saying a lot. You can also find wine, beer, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and live jazz at All Day, and – bonus – the owner is an award-winning barista.
If you love modern and contemporary art, the Perez Art Museum Miami has a huge international collection plus beautiful views of the surrounding area and waterfront dining. For urban art, check out WYN317 for funky and cool local and international pop art.
Music lovers, check to see what’s coming to the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. It is operated by Live Nation and hosts big names in current music. Miami is famous for its dance scene, and here are a few to look up: Bodega, Sweet Liberty, Story, E11EVEN, Basement, and Wall. For a classy, outdoor, live music experience, visit Juvia, described as one of the world’s best rooftop restaurants.
Are you an adventurer? Explore the wrecks and reefs all around Miami as you scuba or snorkel in the warm, blue-green waters. Grab a boogie board or surfboard and ride the waves or just bask in the sun and sand at one of Miami’s beautiful beaches (they’re all open to the public). Get an incredible view at the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Take a tour through the Everglades, where you can see manatees, key deer, roseate spoonbills, alligators, panthers, bobcats, and more.
Not only will you find all of this in Miami; you’ll also find a thriving sports scene. There’s the Miami Dolphins football, Miami Hurricanes college football, Miami Heat basketball, Miami Marlins baseball, Florida Panthers hockey, and more. There’s the Homestead Miami Speedway for NASCAR enthusiasts. You can even play tourist and visit the zoo or aquarium, go ziplining or parasailing, take a cruise out of the ports, or visit the water parks.
This is just a peek at all there is to do in this spectacular sun-drenched city. Imagine how much you would enjoy living in Miami! Explore our Miami Dade school jobs and school support positions today and start your journey toward a life in the exciting city of Miami, Florida.
