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Every year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools celebrates their teachers’ incredible achievements with a ceremony held to commemorate the top teachers of the year. The top teachers were narrowed down to 4 finalists, but Vivian Ventura came out on top as the winner of the 2026 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year Award.
Ventura, Orchestra Director at Southwood Middle School, has completely transformed the music program at her school and is working to expand music programs at other schools in her region.
Her motto “never stop learning,” has changed the lives of so many of her students. “I saw kids change before my eyes because of music. They learned to speak for themselves. They learned to stay busy in something constructive versus destructive. I really saw the power of music,” she said.
Ventura was awarded Teacher of the Year on January 28th at the Recognition Ceremony held at the Airport Convention Center. She was also presented her grand prize at the ceremony, a brand new 2025 Toyota Corolla, courtesy of Kendall Toyota.
A week after the ceremony, United Teachers of Dade (UTD) hosted their annual teacher picnic at Tropical Park. Ventura attended the picnic and was officially presented the keys to her brand new Toyota Corolla. Michael Cordero, Product Specialist at Kendall Toyota and longtime supporter of Miami-Dade County teachers, presented Ventura the keys to her new car.
“I’m so thankful that Kendall Toyota does this for all of us,” Ventura said. “We need our communities, we just need to work together, and thank you for doing that Kendall Toyota.”
This is Kendall Toyota’s 15th year working with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and UTD, awarding the teacher of the year a new car.
“Back in the 2000s, I was the Miami-Dade County teacher of the year and [Kendall Toyota] gave me a car, and I want to thank them for that,” said Fedrick Ingram, spokesperson at the UTD picnic and Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. “[Kendall Toyota] was still doing it, even back in the day. Thank you for your support of teachers, thank you for supporting public education, we could not do this without you.”
On February 21st, The Village of Palmetto Bay and Kendall Toyota will be celebrating Ventura’s incredible achievement with a parade passing through various schools and landmarks throughout Palmetto Bay. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Jose Dotres, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and UTD President Karla Hernandez-Mats will be in attendance along with other civic leaders.
The parade will pass through Coral Reef Park on 7895 SW 152nd St from 12:45pm-1:30pm, where visitors can cheer on Ventura as the parade passes by the park twice.
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