A little country charm and a whole lot of appreciation were in full swing as the Broward Education Foundation hosted its annual Hootenanny on April 3, 2025, at Marando Farms & Ranch. Presented by the Broward Teachers Union, the event honored more than 250 Broward County Public Schools teachers for their exceptional creativity and innovation in the classroom.
The invitation-only, western-themed evening brought together a vibrant mix of educators, school administrators, and community supporters. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, line dancing, interactive games, a hearty cookout, and a spirited raffle — all designed to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond to make learning engaging and impactful.
“These dedicated educators go above and beyond every day to make learning engaging and meaningful,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “The Hootenanny is our way of celebrating their passion, creativity, and the real difference they’re making in the lives of their students.”
Each honored teacher received a classroom grant from the Foundation to support and expand their inspiring curriculum, giving them the tools to continue making a difference and encouraging other educators to replicate their successful programs.
In addition to celebrating individual excellence, the Hootenanny also highlighted the Broward Education Foundation’s broader mission to cultivate innovation and support academic achievement across the county’s public schools. The event underscored the vital role that passionate, creative teachers play in shaping the future — one classroom at a time.
