Miami-Dade 2020 Teacher Of Year Announced

MIAMI, FL — Palmetto Elementary School music teacher Oliver Diez was named the 2020 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year at a ceremony Thursday night. Pinecrest Elementary School teacher Laura Haim was named Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Kendall Toyota presented Diez with the keys to a new car.

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"During his nearly 20-year tenure with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the youthful-looking Diez often has been mistaken for a high school student," said district officials in announcing the award.

"On an amusing note, he is sharing the stage with Christopher Fisk, who was Diez’ student 13 years ago and happens to be this year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year Runner-Up," officials explained. Fisk is a social studies and language arts teacher at Miami Northwestern Senior High.

The award ceremony took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center.

"Due to Diez’ creative and innovative approach, his students have been able to perform and play musical instruments as early as first grade," district officials explained. "He does not allow age to hold a musician back from pursuing and unlocking their limitless potential. Diez’ contribution to his community goes beyond the walls of his classroom."

Diez' students have performed in multiple ensembles under his tutelage at local, state and national venues. This year in March, his chorus and band will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

The signature sponsors of this year's teacher awards include United Way of Miami-Dade, Kendall Toyota, Office Depot, United Healthcare, South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union and Univision 23/UniMas 69. Supporting sponsors include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Biscayne Bay Miami/The Bentley and Fox-Mar Photography.

The event represents a partnership with United Teachers of Dade, Miami-Dade County Council of PTAs/PTSAs and the Dade Association of School Administrators.

Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho flanked from left to right by School Board members Dr, Steve Gallon III, Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Dr. Lawrence S, Feldman, United Teachers of Dade President Karla Hernandez-Mats (L) and 2020 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year Oliver Diez and School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, School Board Vice-Chair Dr, Martin Karp, and School Board members Mari Tere Rojas, and Lubby Navarro. Photo courtesy Miami-Dade County Public Schools