Omar Monteagudo, Fellow

School for Advanced Studies and Academy for Advanced Academics

Miami, FL

Omar Monteagudo is the Principal of School for Advanced Studies (SAS) in Miami, Florida.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University, a Master of Arts in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida, and a Doctor of Law from Florida International University.  Monteagudo has been recognized as a Miami-Dade County Public Schools Region Principal of the Year, Region Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist, Region Teacher of the Year, District Social Studies Teacher of the Year and District Rookie Teacher of the Year.  He’s also a past fellow of the Florida Supreme Court  Teaching Institute and a Region Executive Lead Principal.   He leads the nationally recognized collegiate high school - SAS - which has been ranked as the 5th best high school in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, 13th Best High School by the Daily Beast and Top 500 STEM High Schools by Newsweek. SAS is an 'A' rated school in Florida and recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a Schools of Excellence.  Monteagudo’s previous experience includes serving as an Assistant Principal, Advanced Placement Teacher and Attorney. He is an adjunct professor in the Education Policy Studies Graduate Program at Florida International University. He is a member of the Florida Bar, chairs the Schools Program Committee of the Dade Bar Association and has served on the Education Committee for the Florida Bar.

Under Omar's leadership, the School for Advanced Studies (SAS), Miami-Dade County Public Schools, was named #4 High School in National Rankings, U.S. News and World Report in 2022.

Melanie Tercilla, Ally

Teacher
School for Advanced Studies and Academy for Advanced Academics

Miami, FL

Melanie Tercilla is a proud Cuban-American Miami native with a deep love for literature, culture, and philosophy. Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in Secondary English Education at the University of Florida. Her next endeavor will involve completing a doctoral degree with a concentration in education or literature and working in higher education. Presently, she is fortunate enough to teach AP Literature and AP Language at her alma mater, the School for Advanced Studies. It is difficult for her to imagine working in any other field besides education- She is certain she has met her calling in life. When she is not teaching, one can usually find her practicing yoga, reading for pleasure, or writing poetry. Melanie currently lives in Coral Gables, Florida with her fiancé, where they often spend time watching films, biking through Miami trails, and playing with their two tuxedo cats, Mary Jane and Milo.