Community-Wide Initiative Launches to Champion and Retain Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Educators

Miami gives thanks to its teachers – the heart of education

August 27th, 2025

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), The Education Fund, and the 2026 Miami Host Committee together announce the launch of the Miami Loves Teachers website, a comprehensive community initiative designed to champion the more than 18,000 educators across the district. The new Miami Loves Teachers platform (https://miamilovesteachers.org/) launches as M-DCPS earns its fifth consecutive “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education thanks to the work of its dedicated educators.

“Our trajectory of excellence at Miami-Dade County Public Schools is a testament to the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff, and leaders,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “Miami Loves Teachers represents the kind of community-wide support that makes the difference in ensuring every educator has what they need to help students succeed.”

Teachers are bearing the brunt of economic challenges and strengthening their morale (which is under strain) is crucial to retaining talented educators in classrooms. Given that teachers spend their day shaping our children’s minds and futures, the Miami Loves Teachers platform provides these influential educators with resources they need to continue their vital work. 

When teachers receive recognition and resources they need, the impact is measurable: A TNTP study found that “irreplaceable” teachers who experienced multiple retention strategies, including advancement opportunities, regular performance feedback, and public recognition, planned to stay at their schools nearly twice as long as other teachers. Additionally, University of Michigan research demonstrates that funding just one classroom project boosts student achievement and reduces teacher turnover, with teachers 22% more likely to stay in their current classroom when their projects are funded.

“Educators’ experiences, insights, and needs drive Miami Loves Teachers,” said Eric Poms, Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee and the 2026 Miami Host Committee. “Together, we’re building the support system for Miami teachers to thrive.”

 The Education Fund Powers Miami Loves Teachers
 Superintendent Dotres selected The Education Fund to spearhead Miami Loves Teachers, recognizing the organization’s 40 years of experience helping Miami-Dade students and teachers thrive. 

“Miami Loves Teachers represents our community’s deep appreciation for the educators who shape our future,” said Linda Lecht, President of The Education Fund. “This collaborative initiative brings together major community organizations to ensure our public-school teachers have the resources, opportunities, and community recognition they deserve. We’re honored to power Miami Loves Teachers and connect our four decades of experience supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools with this exciting new partnership.” 

 Miami Loves Teachers supports Miami-Dade County Public Schools through innovative programs that directly benefit teachers and students:

• The Education Fund Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials: Provides free classroom supplies annually to public school teachers, with total distributions exceeding $28 million since 1993.
• The Education Fund Teach-A-Thon: Connects business leaders directly with classrooms, raising funds for essential classroom resources while building community understanding of public education.
• Ideas with IMPACT:  A teacher-driven professional development network where M-DCPS educators share successful classroom strategies that boost student achievement. The program provides grants to teachers for innovative classroom projects and creates a pipeline of proven teaching methods that spread throughout the district, multiplying the impact of every dollar invested in teacher excellence.

• Enhanced Learning: Helping teachers in college and career counseling, culinary, visual arts, and STEM reach more students with enhanced learning opportunities. 

Increasing Teacher Retention Through Recognition
As part of its mission to uplift the teaching profession, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation develops targeted campaigns within host cities that are focused on celebratory programs within national championship host cities. Miami Loves Teachers includes programs such as the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Teachers of the Week, highlighting outstanding educators throughout the school year and awarding them $1,000 classroom grants. The CFP Foundation will also shine a light on the rewarding side of education by highlighting M-DCPS teachers across all grade levels and subjects, sharing innovative teaching methods and student success stories. This fall, educators, students, and community members can nominate a teacher.

“The teachers in our district are true champions for our students,” said Superintendent Dotres. “They deserve recognition not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but throughout the year for their unwavering dedication to student success.”

Further, in collaboration with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Tickets for Teachers initiative, Miami Loves Teachers will give M-DCPS educators exclusive and free access to premium experiences, including cultural events, professional development opportunities, networking events, and more. Local businesses are invited to join The Education Fund in providing comprehensive resources for teachers, whether in the form of grants for their classrooms, resources, professional development opportunities, morale-boosting events, and more. 

Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers can sign up for these benefits now at https://miamilovesteachers.org/

About The Education Fund
The Education Fund brings innovative methods to local public schools, raises awareness about public education, and encourages private-sector investment. Recognized for improving student outcomes, The Education Fund has received prestigious awards, including the TD Ready Challenge, Greater Miami Chamber’s NOVO Award for Non-Profit Excellence, South Florida Business Journal’s Business of the Year, and the Blue Foundation’s Sapphire Prize among others.  In 2024-2025, the non-profit organization celebrates 40 years of student success.  

Learn more at educationfund.org. Follow on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X. 

About the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation
The CFP Foundation is the community investment arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media. 

About the 2026 Miami Host Committee  
The Host Committee for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship (2026 Miami) is a collaborative effort of the entire community, South Florida municipalities, visitors’ bureaus, the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium and led by the Orange Bowl Committee, which previously has hosted 21 college football national championships in its nine decades of existence.  The game is expected to generate tremendous economic impact and international media exposure for the region, while the Host Committee is committed to creating a significant legacy of giving back to South Florida. The 2026 Miami Host Committee Board is populated by a diverse group of South Florida leaders. The Host Committee has planned a series of community events leading up to the 2026 CFP National Championship Game on Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium. For more information on supporting the Championship effort, log on to 2026Miami.com or follow @2026MiamiHC on X and Instagram.