M-DCPS in Collaboration with the College Football Playoff Foundation and Miami Loves Teachers Honors First Teacher of the Week

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) joins the College Football Playoff Foundation, through the Miami Loves Teachers initiative in recognizing Booker T. Washington Senior High School art teacher Raydeivis Soguero-Gonzalez as the first Teacher of the Week. He received a $1,000 DonorsChoose check for school supplies as part of this incredible initiative, which celebrates outstanding educators who make a difference in students' lives every day.

“Not only for your skill set as a teacher but for that incredible heart that you have and believing in the potential of every single child, we want to thank you,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres as he addressed Mr. Soguero-Gonzalez. 

Soguero-Gonzalez has been an art teacher at Booker T. Washington for the past seven years. He was responsible for redesigning the entire art program at the school, providing drafting tables, chairs and lamps creating a professional art studio where students can feel inspired.  Enrollment at his AP Art courses has grown from 2 students to 32.
Schools Superintendent Dr. Dotres, M-DCPS district representatives and administrators, as well as representatives from Miami Loves Teachers and the College Football Playoff Foundation surprised art teacher Soguero-Gonzalez. 

“He was shocked. He did not expect this. He's been doing this for so many years but it's the first time he’s been recognized in that fashion. But you know he does it all from the heart,” said Principal Simons III about Soguero-Gonzalez. “You guys are blessed to have a phenomenal art teacher I would say he is the best M-DCPS has to offer,” he said as he addressed the students in the classroom. 

Principal Simons III was also honored by The College Football Foundation with a $5,000 DonorsChoose check in recognition of his mentorship, role modeling, and visionary leadership. His dedication to guiding students and fostering excellence was celebrated through this generous acknowledgment.

Simons III has served in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) for over 28 years. His career began as a band director at Miami Norland Senior High School, followed by administrative roles at Myrtle Grove K-8 and Madison Middle School. He has been principal at Booker T. Washington for the past 13 months, during which the school earned an A rating for the first time in its history.

"They said good teachers have great leaders and they said we want to recognize you, so they pulled out another check and they gave it to me. I was surprised,” said Principal Simons III. “This money will go toward the betterment of Booker T. Washington and the community at large.”

Miami Loves Teachers is a teacher recognition and retention program powered by The Education Fund, in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the 2026 Miami Host Committee, and the College Football Playoff Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of the College Football Playoff Foundation, Miami Loves Teachers awards weekly $1,000 DonorsChoose grants to public school teachers in conjunction with a $5000 check for the principal where the teacher works. Individuals can nominate a deserving teacher by going to this link: https://miamilovesteachers.org/teacher-of-the-week/

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