Events
Miami Loves Teachers
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.
The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.
May 29, 2026
Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.
As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.
Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.
A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.
The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.
By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.
Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.
Events
Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon
The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.
May 26, 2026
Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.
Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.
The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.
At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.
The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.
The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.
By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.
In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.
At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.
Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.
May 18, 2026
Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.
Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.
The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.
Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.
The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.
Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.
To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/
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