MARSHALL RUFFO NAMED M-DCPS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Marshall Ruffo, a science teacher at Centennial Middle School, was named the 2014 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year, at a ceremony at The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Miami Airport Convention Center. 

Vying for the coveted title this year were five finalists, including a nominee from each of the District’s three regions, one from the Education Transformation Office and one from Adult/Alternative Education.

Ruffo’s classroom is a laboratory. He is the founding father of C.O.A.S.T., the Centennial Ocean Academy of Science and Technology. The mission of C.O.A.S.T. is the advancement of Marine and Environmental Conservation through scientific research, literacy and mathematics education. Flexibility and variety are keys to Marshall Ruffo’s success. 

Mr. Ruffo includes marine plants, wildlife, maps, charts and flags, to complement the myriad of scientific equipment he uses to provide the highest quality education to his students. The runner up was Bradley Sultz, a teacher from iPrep Academy. 

Also recognized were top rookie teachers. Mary Raynell Lantor, a teacher at Morningside K-8 Academy, was named Rookie Teacher of the Year. Aaron Taylor, a teacher at Henry E.S. Reeves Elementary was Rookie Teacher of the Year runner up.

The Teacher of the Year ceremony was sponsored by South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union, Munilla Family Foundation/ MCM, along with co-sponsors Univision 23, United Way of Miami-Dade, Kendall Toyota, Nova Southeastern University Abraham Fischler School of Education, Fox-Mar Photography, and in partnership with United Teachers of Dade, Dade Association of School Administrators (DASA), and Miami-Dade County Council of PTAs/PTSAs.

Editor’s Note: Photo attached.

Pictured (left to right):  Board Member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, Francisco Walker 2014 Teacher of the Year Marshall Ruffo, Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman and Board Vice Chair Martin Karp.

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