Top teacher: Palatine High alum returns as educator, now assistant principal, to inspire next generation

Even the best teachers leave the classroom at some point, often through retirement or promotion.

But for Alex Miramontes, leaving behind his classroom at Palatine High School has meant a chance to apply his extraordinary rapport with students more broadly.

The 2011 Palatine High grad returned to his alma mater as a special education instructor in 2021, after previously working at two other school districts. This year, he became an assistant principal, heading one of the school's four student support teams.

In this role, he connects with students who are struggling in a variety of ways. Only a month into the school year, he believes he's already experienced the gamut of what the job will entail.

“I'm 30 years old and can still relate (to students),” Miramontes said. “I was never a saint when I was here.”

Helping students through their difficulties in school and at home remind him of the positive impact teachers and coaches had on him — especially baseball coach Paul Belo, who is now a colleague. He sees himself playing the same role for others.

Senior Sean Wasserman now plays baseball for and finds inspiration from Coach “Mira.”

“Anything I need, I know I can call him and he'll be there for me,” Sean said. “No one's ever said anything bad about him. It's nice to have a teacher and coach who's very talkative and open. I couldn't ask to play for a better coach.”

The work ethic he's learned through Palatine High baseball — where preparation for the spring season is year-round — has translated positively to his classes and life, Sean added.

Miramontes remembers being similarly motivated by Belo. In the absence of a deported father, his two older brothers and Coach Belo became father figures for him.

“I would definitely not be here if not for them,” he said.

For his part, Belo said he's long been able to recognize the potential of a kid with a chip on his shoulder.

“I think the most important part was that Alex was willing to trust the direction I wanted to take him,” he said. “I forged a bond based on trust and that he knew I was trying to show him the way to go about achieving what he wanted in life. At his heart, it was very easy to determine that Alex wanted to do the right thing.”

It was an uncle living with a disability that inspired Miramontes to become certified as a special education teacher. The way his uncle expressed joy and brought it out in others made him want to help young people in similar situations, he said.

His transformative experience in high school led him to decide to teach at that grade level.

“For me, it was the different hardships at these ages,” he said.

The skills of being a special ed teacher and coach, along with the dean position he added last year, all complement and reinforce each other, he added.

Special Education Department Chair Dan Gavin said Miramontes' skills in these areas set him apart.

“Alex has the unique ability to (work) with kids who are more challenging to reach,” he said. “He just has a really intuitive sense to talk with students.”

Though Gavin said he'd welcome Miramontes back to his department in a heartbeat, it makes sense that his skills were sought elsewhere. He has the same rapport with fellow teachers, and every time he works through a problem-solving issue with one of their students he's helping everyone.

Miramontes' former special education students still warmly greet their onetime mentor during passing periods in the hallways.

Miramontes said he's not interested in climbing the administrative ladder in a way that would take him farther away from students, but Gavin believes he has no shortage of potential.

“I think he can excel in any role that he wants in education,” Gavin said. “I think he's a tremendous asset to the school and the community. I'm glad he came home.”

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Curriculum vitae

Name: Alex Miramontes

School: Palatine High School

Occupation: Assistant Principal Student Support Team 4, baseball coach

Education: Palatine High School; bachelor's degree in special education from Roosevelt University; master's degree in educational leadership from American College of Education

Previous work experience: Special education teacher and dean at Palatine High School; special education teacher at Mundelein High School; special education teacher at Dundee-Crown High School

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Tips from Top Teacher Alex Miramontes

• Be able to separate work life from home life: You are a better and more engaged teacher when you are able to come refreshed and focused.

• Community > Content: In order to get the most out of your students, establish a community in your classroom that builds trust. This will, in return, have students eager to learn in your classroom.

• It is OK to say “no”: Don't overwhelm yourself with activities and extracurriculars because you are afraid to say “no.”

• Relatability and vulnerability: Get to know your students and do not be afraid to be vulnerable with them. Let them see that you are human, just like them.

• Ask questions: No one can do it on their own. Ask questions and learn from your colleagues.