Speakers

Antonio “Tony” White
President, United Teachers of Dade (UTD) 

Experience, commitment, and integrity are the characteristics that define this 31-year public school educator. Antonio received his BS degree in Business Administration from Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

For over 25 years Antonio has been actively involved and engaged in the work of United Teachers of Dade, having served as a Building Steward, Legislative Action Committee Chair, Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Collective Bargaining Team.

Antonio serves on the Florida Education Association (FEA) Executive Cabinet as well as the FEA Goals & Budget and Political Advocacy Committees.  He also represents UTD on the national level for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA).

All good union work is done through a coalition of allies committed to improving the lives of working people. Tony is also an Executive Board Member of the South Florida AFL-CIO, a District Vice President with the Florida AFL-CIO, and an Executive Board member of the United Way.

Mr. Mark Harrison
2026 Florida Teacher of the Year

Mark Harrison, an American Government and Economics teacher at Union County High School in Union County, was selected to serve as the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year from nearly 175,000 Florida public school teachers. In this role, Mr. Harrison serves as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, elevating and celebrating the teaching profession by promoting the contributions of Florida educators.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida and earned the Civics Seal of Excellence from the state of Florida. Mr. Harrison has served as a dedicated sponsor for both the Civics and Debate team and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. With a teaching background ranging from elementary and high school to adult education, Mark is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. From mock trials at the local courthouse to in-depth study of the Constitution, he is passionate about teaching students to become informed, engaged citizens.

Mrs. Vivian Ventura
2026 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Vivian Ventura, an orchestra teacher at Southwood Middle School, has been named the 2026 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year at a ceremony held this evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport & Convention Center. 

For Ventura, a 20-year veteran teacher at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), music is not just what she teaches, but a passion that has transformed generations of students into accomplished musicians. Her motto is “never stop learning.” Ventura’s greatest joy is watching students with no musical knowledge blossom into budding skilled musicians and serve their community through music. She fosters an inviting environment with a focus on technique, structured repetition and motivational music. 

Over the past two decades, her students have consistently earned superior ratings in District Music Performance Assessments. Her students at Southwood Middle have gotten more superior medals in District competitions than any other middle school.  They have also gone on to study at the prestigious Juilliard and perform in theater productions like “Hamilton.” 

For the last 10 years, she has influenced a generation of students outside her school as a teacher at the Greater Miami Youth Symphony. Her talent and dedication as an accomplished conductor are well known and appreciated in circles outside her school. Ventura was selected as a guest conductor at the Superintendent’s Elementary Honors Orchestra, the West Palm Beach Honors Middle School Orchestra, and the Jacksonville Honors Elementary Orchestra. 

Mr. Richard D. Lamarre
2026 Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Mr. Richard D. Lamarre has been teaching at Miramar High School for 11 years, where he shares his passion for science through courses such as Chemistry Honors, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, and IB Environmental Systems and Societies. Certified in both Biology and Chemistry, he is also effective in preparing students for the SAT, ACT, and state assessments. Known for weaving humor into his teaching, he makes complex topics accessible and engaging for all learners.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida State University, where he was inducted into Alpha Chi Sigma, the national professional chemistry fraternity. He later completed post-secondary studies at Ross University School of Medicine, originally aspiring to become a pediatrician before embracing his true calling in education.

In 2025, Mr. Lamarre was honored as Broward County Teacher of the Year. He sponsors both the Environmental Club and Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders (MTL), and has coached students in the Envirothon competition for five years. His passion for environmental education has fueled initiatives including a recycling program, butterfly and vegetable gardens, a food forest, an outdoor classroom, and a greenhouse. As a University of Florida Master Gardener Volunteer, he continues to blend science, sustainability, and mentorship—leaving a lasting impact on his students, school, and community.

Nikolas Venegas
2025-2026 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year

Mr. Nikolas Venegas is an educator, speaker, and passionate advocate for student growth and lifelong learning. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, and proud of his Mexican heritage, he began his journey in early childhood education at the start of his college career. He is now in his third year of teaching first-grade Math, Science, and Social Studies, where he brings energy, care, and creativity into the classroom each day. 

Mr. Venegas was honored as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year for 2025–2026, a recognition that reflects his deep dedication to his students and his school community. Known for his caring heart and unwavering commitment to helping every child succeed, he considers it both an honor and a privilege to serve in MDCPS. Mr. Venegas is committed to inspiring the next generation of educators to lead with heart, purpose, and courage.