Miami Superintendent Receives Save The Music Foundation Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education

February 14, 2026 - 22:15

Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, has been recognized with a prestigious national award for his unwavering commitment to music education. He is the 2026 recipient of the Save The Music Foundation’s Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.

The award celebrates Dr. Dotres' leadership in ensuring that access to high-quality music programs is a cornerstone of the district's educational philosophy. Under his guidance, Miami-Dade has worked to integrate comprehensive music education into the curriculum, recognizing its vital role in student development, academic achievement, and cultural enrichment.

The Save The Music Foundation highlighted Dr. Dotres' proactive efforts to support music educators, secure resources, and advocate for the arts as essential, not elective, components of a well-rounded education. His initiatives have directly impacted hundreds of thousands of students across the nation's fourth-largest school district, providing them with opportunities to learn instruments, participate in ensembles, and explore musical creativity.

This accolade underscores the critical importance of administrative support in sustaining and growing arts programs in public schools. Dr. Dotres' vision ensures that the transformative power of music remains accessible to all students, fostering not only artistic skills but also discipline, collaboration, and confidence that benefit learners in all areas of life.