Congratulations to music educator Dr. Dakeyan Chan “Dre” Graham of Tampa, Florida, who has just been named his state’s 2020 Teacher of the Year. Dre was selected from more than 176,900 Florida excellent public school teachers.

The honored educator currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Studies at his alma mater, C. Leon King High School. He has been an educator there for 10 years. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Dre works in his community to promote and infuse music education into Title I schools. Title I schools serve a large number of low-income students. He also belongs to numerous professional organizations.

During his years with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Dre’s students have performed at a high level of determination and focus. Some have even been selected to perform in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran appreciates Dre’s expertise. “The fact that Dr. Graham has repeatedly earned superior ratings from the Florida School Music Association is a testament to his talent and ability to instill in his students a passion for the magnificent art of musical performance,” the commissioner asserts. “He possesses many qualities that make him an excellent role model, and it is a pleasure to recognize him.”

Dre earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from the University of Florida. He also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. As if all that wasn’t enough, he has a PhD in Music Education from the University of South Florida.

Music educator Dr. Dakeyan Chan “Dre” Graham of Tampa, Florida, has just been named his state’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

In his role as the 2020 Florida Teacher of the Year, Dre will also serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. In this capacity he will work to increase public awareness of Florida’s exceptional teachers and the teaching profession. He will have the opportunity to promote and celebrate the countless contributions of Florida’s teachers. He will also provide professional learning opportunities for fellow educators and recruit future teachers into the education profession. In addition, Dre will receive an $8,000 two-Year scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Board which he will be able to give to any student of his choice.

To read more about this chalkboard champion, click on this link to a story about him published in the Tampa Bay Times.