Teacher to Know: Micaela Spatola, Tampa Bay Technical High School

At Tampa Bay Technical High School, hands-on learning isn’t just a teaching method; it’s a way of life. Agriculture and Veterinary Assisting Instructor Micaela Spatola knows this better than anyone. A proud alumna of the school’s renowned Academy of Veterinary Science, Spatola now leads the very program that once inspired her own career path.

Thanks to a Career and Professional Education (CAP) grant from the Florida Department of Education, Tampa Bay Tech recently opened a fully operational veterinary surgical suite, the only one of its kind in Hillsborough County Public Schools. The CAP grant is designed to help schools create or expand career and technical education programs that lead to industry certifications, and at Tampa Bay Tech, it’s doing precisely that.

Under Spatola’s leadership, students gain real-world experience caring for animals and assisting licensed veterinarians during surgeries, a one-of-a-kind opportunity at the high school level. With a 93% pass rate on the Certified Veterinary Assistant exam, her students are proving that passion, preparation and purpose make a powerful combination.

TBPM: How long have you been teaching in HCPS and at Tampa Bay Tech?

MS: I have been teaching at Tampa Bay Tech for about six years now. This is my only HCPS school I have taught at. Previously I had an adjunct position at Hillsborough College in the Veterinary Technology program and did that for about a year-and-a-half.

TBPM: You’re not only Tampa Bay Tech’s agriculture and veterinary assisting instructor — you’re also a proud alumna of the Academy of Veterinary Science. What does it mean to you to now be teaching in the same program where your journey began?

MS: It truly is a full circle moment. Coming back to my alma mater and having kids in the classroom and teaching what I truly love is a blessing.

TBPM: Tampa Bay Tech’s Academy of Veterinary Science is one of the top programs in the state and the only Hillsborough County school with a fully operational veterinary surgical suite. How has this new facility transformed what your students can experience and learn?

MS: We have always been a program with hand-on capabilities and pour so much into our community, so to take it up a level in our learning and have them gain more confidence in our knowledge and the field is amazing.

TBPM: Students recently assisted with their first surgery in the new surgical suite — such an incredible milestone! What was that day like for you and your students?

MS: This day was one of a kind. Slightly chaotic but still amazing to see the students put what they were in learn in class to a truly one-of kind hands- on experience. This was a core memory in my career.

TBPM: You have mentioned that the hands-on experience really sets this program apart. Why do you think real-world learning opportunities like these are so crucial for your students?

MS: When our students have the hands-on experience and practice them in the classroom, they come out so much more confident and ready for a job after high school.

TBPM: Your students have an impressive 93% pass rate on the Certified Veterinary Assistant exam. What do you think contributes to that success?

MS: Our kids contribute to their success. They want to be in the program. They want to excel in what they are doing and they want to pass the CVA. These students have so much drive and passion.

TBPM: You’ve talked about the importance of showing students both the “risks, rewards and benefits” of the veterinary field. What advice do you share with students who are considering a future in animal care or veterinary science?

MS: Some days are going to be good, some days are going to be not so good, but if you are constantly learning and growing from the days, you will be successful.

TBPM: The veterinary field is facing a shortage of professionals. How do you hope programs like yours can help shape the future of this industry?

MS: I hope our program can highlight the amazing things the veterinary field has to offer and how awarding it can be.

TBPM: What’s the most rewarding part of watching your students grow — from their first day in class to the moment they earn their certification?

MS: I love seeing the light bulb moments. I love hearing about their hands-on experience when they go to a clinical site that is one of our community partners and tell me what they have done. It's truly special since we have seen them starting out at freshmen and working their way up.

TBPM: Tampa Bay Tech received a state grant to support the surgical suite and expand career and technical education. How does that kind of support impact your ability to prepare students for real careers after graduation?

MS: This support was truly a blessing. Our students are able to do so much more than any other vet assisting program and prepare them for other medical programs for post-secondary education. We are truly grateful.

TBPM: Finally, as someone who has walked the same halls as your students, what message would you give to young people who are just beginning to discover their passions and career paths?

MS: My message would be, it is ok to have plans but find something you are good at, or find passion in things and you'll go far. I have been very blessed to work two careers in my life. A Certified Veterinary Technologist in a mixed-animal practice and an educator in Hillsborough County Public Schools.