Tyler Kapela, the AICE Marine teacher at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS), has a classroom full of life, but not just with the students who go there to learn. The classroom is also shared with a variety of pets. For Kapela, these animals are not just for show, but they all play a special role in the way he connects them with what the students are learning.

For Kapela, bringing these animals into the classroom was not just about making it fun; it goes back many years to when he taught zoology. “Classroom pets are always cool,” says Kapela. “For many years, I taught zoology. That’s why, even though it’s marine science, these animals were here back when I taught zoology.”

These animals didn’t just come out of the local pet store; they actually came from students. “Some of these animals are adopted from students, like one student had a snack and was going off to college and couldn’t take it with him,” recalls Kapela. “Now, that snake has been here for about 20 years now.”

When he decided to introduce dogs into the classroom, the administration at PPCHS fully supported it. “The first dog, Marley, I got from the security guard, and when he was ready to go to his new home, she brought him here. I’m teaching, and I already got the puppy here, and I just started bringing him every day. And fortunately, our administration is very supportive and was super cool with it.”

While having classroom pets can be a distraction, Kapela believes they can make learning more memorable. “It becomes an asset, but it’s also a challenge…you have to be mindful of not just the students but also the animals as well.” As the weeks go by, the students become more comfortable with their furry and scaly classmates.

“Once the kids are in here for a couple of weeks, they don’t even notice the dogs here anymore.” Kapela also mentions how he sees these animals allow students to grow. “I had kids that are afraid of dogs… but by the end of the year, they are totally fine with them. Same with snakes.”

These pets aren’t just for show, but they have a special meaning to Kapela. His first classroom dog, Marley, was not only a loyal companion but also helped his autistic son feel comfortable around animals. “My son’s autistic… having that animal that travels well, and is obedient… definitely helped him.” Marley was extremely adaptable, taught students lessons about care and patients. The snake, on the other hand, has been in a part of that classroom for about 20 years. Over those years, the snake has been quietly teaching students respect for these animals, who never see outside of the room’s four walls.

Of course, having these animals in the class comes with many challenges. “It is a distraction, and then you gotta be mindful of the animals as well,” he admits. Daily responsibilities like taking the dog out and making sure the pets are fed properly require extra effort.

“When we have holidays, I come in to take care of these animals, so it’s harder to travel,” Kapela explains. Even during passing periods, the pets often require extra attention. “Between classes, I’ve got to take Amber outside,” he says.

The pets in Kapela’s classroom are more than just animals who live there; they help teach the students about care, connection, and learning outside of the textbooks. For students at PPCHS, his class is not just a place to study AICE Marine; it is also a place to experience life, responsibility, and compassion.