Erick Hueck

For over 36 years, Erick Hueck has been a beacon of hope, resilience, and innovation in education. Serving as a chemistry teacher at Miami Senior High School—a Title 1 inner-city school where 96% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch— Erick has dedicated his career to empowering students facing significant challenges, many of whom are first-generation immigrants, grappling with poverty, language barriers, and uncertain futures. Yet, he sees these obstacles as opportunities to build bridges, fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally. 

Erick’s inclusive teaching philosophy focuses on making chemistry accessible and relevant. Connecting lessons to real-world issues, he inspires students to see science as a tool for understanding and improving their communities. Notable projects include collaborations with the “Plastic Free Cities” initiative and hands-on experiments addressing ocean pollution and water conservation. These initiatives empower students to apply their learning beyond the classroom, fostering both academic excellence and civic engagement. His efforts have yielded remarkable results: from 2018 to 2022, Erick’s AP Chemistry students achieved an average passing rate of 80.7%, significantly surpassing district, state, and global averages. 

Innovation defines Erick’s approach. As a Global Teacher Fellow and founding member of the CREED initiative, he integrates the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into his curriculum, emphasizing issues like clean water, climate action, and environmental justice. He has also invited organizations like the CLEO Institute and climate artist Xavier Cortada to his classroom, exposing students to sustainability practices and inspiring them to advocate for change. 

Erick’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a long-standing advisor for the National Beta Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Student Government Association, he has cultivated leadership and service learning among his students. Through these roles, he has guided students in addressing community issues such as food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and support for vulnerable children. Additionally, as President of the Dade County Science Teachers Association, Erick has championed professional development for educators, ensuring that innovative teaching practices reach classrooms across Florida. 

A teacher of teachers, Erick mentors AP instructors and serves as Advanced Academics Chairperson at his school. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his collaborations with organizations like the Florida Association of Science Teachers and Miami-Dade County's Department of Science, where he facilitates workshops to elevate instructional strategies and integrate cutting-edge technology into science education. 

Erick’s legacy is embodied in the success stories of his students, many of whom have become scientists, engineers, and educators. Alumni credit him as a transformative influence, with some honouring him through prestigious awards and nominations. A former student, now a NASA educator, epitomizes Erick’s belief in the power of perseverance and global citizenship. 

Recognized as a National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee, Erick remains humbly focused on his mission: to uplift students, foster equity, and inspire global leaders. Whether championing climate education or advocating for underprivileged communities, Erick Hueck’s contributions exemplify the profound impact a teacher can have on countless lives.