With an ever-evolving passion for art, Mr. Hernandez now finds his teaching journey to have taken him to the walls of the M building here at Charter. As he begins his first weeks at PPCHS, he has found himself eager to teach AP 2D Art & Design, AP Photography, AP Drawing, and Studio Art 1, 2, and 3.
Hernandez has been creating art ever since he could remember, always finding inspiration in everything around him. “My favorite toys as a kid were art supplies. I was the kid at school who was always doodling, crocheting, or making origami,” he reminisces. His joy for art continued to expand as he attended an art school in his middle and high school years in Puerto Rico.
In his senior year, Hernandez was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to get his bachelor’s degree. After a great high school experience, he moved to Miami, Florida in 2006 to pursue his dreams of education.
Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Hernandez became deeply involved in the creative visuals department, working in television, commercials, and music videos. He also created storyboards and props, did graphic design, and handled video editing, all of which fueled his ambition to create artwork.
Finally starting his career in education, Hernandez began teaching at Miami Children’s Museum Charter School before transitioning to Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School. There, he shared his passion for art with younger students, but now, he’s excited to work with high schoolers here at Charter.
Adjusting to this change, he’s embraced the new environment, though it’s been a bit of a learning curve. “In the beginning, I felt a little nervous; I felt like the new kid at school. Fortunately, everyone has been very welcoming and supportive,” Hernandez shares.
Beyond the classroom, one of the projects Mr. Hernandez is most proud of is Edwin Creates, a social media initiative he started during the pandemic where he would host live painting sessions for people to follow along. The first session, held in March 2020, drew around 25 viewers who either painted with him or watched along.
This project was so well-received that fans encouraged him to continue, even calling the sessions “Therapy Thursdays.” As the project gained popularity, people from all over the world began sending him photos and messages, showing the artwork they had created together online. For over two years, Edwin Creates thrived, becoming a source of pride for Mr. Hernandez and bringing joy to countless people around the world.
As he settles into his role at PPCHS, Mr. Hernandez hopes to share the joy and comfort he found in art, saying he tries his best to provide a safe space for his students. “I feel it’s my responsibility to plant a seed that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” he expresses.
Looking ahead, Mr. Hernandez is excited to continue inspiring his students and watching their creative journeys unfold. Some advice he offers for students considering an art career is: “Getting to know yourself first will guide you through a lot of the uncertainties that come with a career that is as unique as you are.”
