Florida Business Ensuring Success in Education

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Last week, we hosted one of the year’s most important events—the annual Florida Teacher of the Year retreat and gala. Diane McKee took home the top honor, 2016 Florida Teacher of the Year, but all of these teachers are winners. To honor their hard work and dedication to our state’s students, we invited all district teachers of the year to Orlando where they were treated to four days of professional development and networking.

It was such a treat for me to spend time with these outstanding educators and I want to thank the sponsors for making these events possible. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with many national, state and local businesses and non-profit organizations whose leadership teams share our passion for education and appreciate the critical role teachers play in preparing our state students for lifelong success.

All of the sponsors listed below are vital to ensuring this annual celebration of teachers is both memorable and educational, and I especially want to thank Macy’s for their contributions. In addition to hosting a star-studded gala for the teachers of the year and their loved ones, Macy’s donated $102,000 in cash rewards and gift cards. I am already looking forward to next year’s festivities.

Macy’s (Premiere Sponsor)
Bank of America
Blue Man Group
Florida Lottery
Helios Education Foundation
Herff Jones
SMART Technologies
Southeastern University
State Farm
Universal Orlando
Florida Education Foundation

To see a list of the 2016 district teachers of the year and to learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program, visit http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/recognition-recruitment/fl-teacher-of-the-year-program/.

View more Macy’s Gala Photos Here

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