What would a ship be without an experienced crew? Our staff of educators provides the experience and the leadership needed to set this course on sail for success. Get to know our crew of team members who will open the door to endless possibilities in the field or marine science!

Mr. Strauss

I am the principal at South Broward High School, home of the bulldogs! In my lifetime, I have spent seven years teaching math, six years as an assistant principle and four years as principal here at South Broward; 17 years in education in total. I graduated from the University of Florida and am a proud alumni of South Broward as well. Being that athletics is one of my hobbies; I was on the South Broward basketball team, an All-Star in baseball at Rotary Park, as well as volley ball coach and athletic director at SBHS.

Mr. Ted Davis

“Success is not a destination, it is a journey.” Education is a journey that can last your entire life. My professional objective is not only to motivate pupils to achieve excellence in academic curriculum content, but also to inspire them to become life-long learners. Let no educational act be insignificant. The “butterfly effect” (flapping of a butterfly’s wings in China could cause tiny atmospheric changes which over a period of time could effect weather patterns in New York.) of an educator’s lesson can effect responsible decisions that our students may make in the future. I just want to be a part of their educational voyage. With a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a Florida Teaching Certification, I spent 17 years educating high school science students. In 1996, I developed and created an awesome Marine Magnet program at South Broward High School with the help of a team of some very talented teachers, administrators and students. When I started the magnet program, my Principal asked me what I was going to do with the curriculum. “What direction will you take us?” I knew the answer because of my experience with education while in the outdoors and within the classroom. I knew that we had to make them the future leaders of our maritime culture and to encourage stewardship for our “Oceans Alive”.

Ms. Monica Ridlehoover

Hello, my name is Ms. Monica Ridlehoover. I grew up in Hollywood, FL and am a third generation South Floridian. I am an avid naturalist who enjoys fishing, birding, and nature photography. I graduated in 1990 from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s of science in science education and am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Informational Science from FSU. This is my 19^th year as a classroom teacher and I enjoy it tremendously. I believe that it is important to teach students to be curious about the world around them and to teach them to become life-long learners.

 

 

Mrs. Onet

I am originally from Romania, and moved here in 2004. I was a college teacher  in my home country for 4 years and have been teaching in the U.S. for  5 years. I have a masters degree in Kinesiology. I received my bachelor degree and Master degree from the University of Babes-Bolyai from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. I was on the swim team in the college and I had an opportunity to swim for the Holland National swim team. Being a good swimmer and student has given  me the luxury to travel and swim in different countries, such as, Hungary, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden and Russia. Fun facts- I was scarred in the water when I started swimming lessons-my coach open the passion for me, later I become A National champion in butterfly-funny, right? I like spending time with my family even though they are in Europe. My hobbies include: outdoor activities, snorkeling, kayak, learning different languages, reading books, watching movies, and traveling.

 

Mr. Terry Jones

I was born and raised in North Miami; I graduated from North Miami Senior High with a trade certificate in automotive mechanics. I worked for Anthony Abraham Chevrolet for six years before starting my own business. I repaired cars, trucks and boats in my N. Miami shop for seventeen years. I began working as a part time Automotive Service Technology teacher at Sheridan Tech in 1997. After three years I returned to self employment repairing yachts anywhere from Key Biscayne to Light House Point. I also delivered yachts from New York to Ft Lauderdale and the Bahamas. I was hired full time by McFatter Tech to teach Marine Electronic installation, Automotive and Marine Service Technology. In December of 2007 I transferred to South Broward High. I hold certifications as an ABYC Electrical Tech, ASE Master Automotive Tech, Johnson/Evinrude Tech and I have a United Stases Coast Guard Captains license. My hobbies include boating, fishing, diving and golf.

 

Ms. Sharon Thomas

I am Sharon Thomas and I have been teaching marine science classes in South Broward High School’s Marine Magnet Program for the past 11 years. In my 20 year teaching career, I have had the opportunity to study marine environments throughout the Caribbean, Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. I began my marine teaching career in the Florida Keys at Newfound Harbor Marine Institute/Seacamp where I taught marine science and scuba diving. I have been coaching the Ocean Bowl Team at South Broward for 9 years. The competition has been a learning and growing experience for both me and my students. I received a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Kentucky and took graduate courses in marine science at Louisiana State University, Gulf Coast Research Lab, and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. On field trips and in class I love sharing what I know about the ocean and its inhabitants. Although I realize most of my students will not pursue careers in marine science, my goal is to help them understand the interrelationships between marine organisms and their environment.

 

 

Mr. Leonel Jimenez

I was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended and graduated from the University of Central Florida. I majored in Biology with a main focus in Marine Biology. I worked at Seacamp for three years teaching marine biology and have been working at South Broward for the past five years. Not only am I a teacher here at SBHS, but I am also the boys volleyball coach. Some fun facts about me are: I love the outdoors-camping, scuba diving, fishing, the beach, and playing competitive volleyball.

 

Mrs. Debra Hixon

My name is Debra Hixon and I am a native Floridian. I am an alumni of South Broward High School and proud to be teaching here. I am a graduate of Florida State University; with a degree in Biology and Education. I taught my first 5 years at Blanche Ely High School and I have been at South Broward for the past 15 years. I became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2005. I teach the Marine Policy and Affairs class, as well as the Marine Mentorship class. I enjoy teaching in the Marine Magnet Program because I am passionate about the ocean and the role humans play in its conservation. I want to be sure my students become informed participants in the management of the ocean; be it as informed voters or as part of a career path. The things I enjoy most are swimming, traveling, and reading.

Ms. Zuleyha Gokay

Hello my name is Zuleyha Gokay and I am in my 4th year of teaching at South Broward High School. I am originally from Istanbul, Turkey. I attained my Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in Biology and my Master of Arts in Underwater Archaeology from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. My interests include ancient Bronze Age shipwrecks and harbors as well as remotely operated vehicles. I sponsor SBHS’ s R.O.V Team which competes annually at M.A.T.E.’s competition. My hobbies include S.C.U.B.A. diving, sailing, windsurfing and kite-surfing.