Dakeyan Cha’ Dre’ Graham, the 2020 Florida Teacher of the Year, represents 74 school districts and more than 195,000 teachers while serving as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. In this role, he tours the state to recognize and honor the contributions of Florida’s teachers and inspire future and current teachers across the state. He delivers motivational speeches and workshops focused on empowering teachers to create the most impactful learning experience possible for their students. A product of Hillsborough County Public Schools, Graham recently served as the director of instrumental studies at his alma mater, C. Leon King High School in Tampa. He holds a bachelor degree, master degree, and Ph.D. in music education as well as a master degree in educational leadership. During his 10 years in Hillsborough County, his students consistently demonstrated determination, focus, and tenacity earning them a performance position in the prestigious Carnegie Hall. While serving as the president of the Hillsborough Secondary Music Council and founder of the Eastern Coalition of Music Directors, Graham traveled around the state as an adjudicator for both the Florida Bandmasters and Orchestra Associations. In 2013, Graham was a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator of the Year. Graham assists in leading worship at CityLife Church and teaches youth and adult martial arts. He is blessed to share life with his wife, Casey, also an educator, and daughter, Aaliyah. His passion is to continue positively impacting the next generation of world changers.