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Ms. Vivian Gonzalez has been a Miami-Dade
County Public Schools music educator for the past
eighteen years and has made an impact in the
special needs community by promoting inclusive
practices in education and ensuring all children have
access to high-quality music education. Ms. Gonzalez
began her teaching career at Ruth Owens Kruse
Eduducational Center, and went on to build successful
E
programs at Southwood Middle School and South
Miami K-8 Center. She is currently the Magnet
Orchestra Director at Miami Arts Studio 6-12 at
Zelda Glazer. As an alumna of Miami-Dade County
Public Schools, she is thrilled to be able to give back to the community that gave
so much to her.

Ms. Gonzalez is always striving to better the lives and outcomes of children
with special needs. She does this by providing mentorship and professional
development for current music educators in Miami-Dade County as well as across
the nation. She regularly gives presentations to educators on how to include
s students with special needs in music classes and performing ensembles to ensure
that teachers are aware of inclusion best practices, have confidence in their ability
to appropriately include students with special needs, and are motivated to provide
access and opportunity for all students to successfully participate in music classes
and performing groups across the community, state, and nation.

A A Grammy Music Educator Award Top-Ten Finalist, Ms. Gonzalez has presented
at numerous state and national conferences including the National Association for
Music Education. American String Teacher’s Association, Little Kids Rock National
Rockfest, Florida Orchestra Association, and the Florida Music Educator
A Association. Ms. Gonzalez was recognized as a featured teacher for the White
House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanics and was the Magnet
Schools of America 2016 Region 3 Teacher of the Year. She holds degrees in
Violin Performance, Music Education, Curriculum and Instruction, School
Leadership, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Special Education.

M Ms. Vivian Gonzalez is being honored this evening with the Excellence in Family
Advocacy Award, as she is a remarkable educator who truly cares and makes a
significant difference in the lives of all of her students and their families.