ROOTED IN HISTORY
ABOUT US
United Teachers of Dade is a union of professionals who work to advance the cause of public education. We educate students, empower our members, and work with parents and the community to build a stronger Miami.
Our History
UTD members led ‘walk-ins’ during 1970s desegregation, ensuring safer integration for Miami schools. A community effort.
Our History
Did you know UTD’s 1968 Marine Stadium strike secured the largest teacher salary increases in Dade County history?
OFFICERS
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ANTONIO "TONY" WHITE
President
Experience, commitment, and resilience are the characteristics that define this 30-year veteran educator. Antonio received his BS degree in Business Administration from Grambling State
University, and was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
For over 30 years Antonio has been actively involved and engaged in the work of UTD, serving as Building Steward, Legislative Committee Chair, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Collective Bargaining Team and currently serving as the 1st Vice President.
Antonio serves on the Executive Cabinet and Governance Board of the Florida Education Association. He also represents UTD on the national level for the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
All good union work is done through a coalition of allies committed to improving the lives of working people. Antonio is also an Executive Board Member of the South Florida AFL-CIO, a District VP with the Florida AFL-CIO, member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, A. Phillip Randolph Institute and Miami Dade Branch of the NAACP.
As UTD’s President Antonio sits on the Family and Community Involvement Advisory Committee as well as the Budget Subcommittee for MDCPS. Working with these and other community allies allowed UTD to pass referendums in 2018 and 2022 generating over $2 Billion in revenue to enhance teacher pay and provide additional safety and security measures.
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DANNIELLE BOYER
First Vice President
Boyer, the 2022-23 UTD Activist of the Year, has fought tirelessly for the betterment of students, teachers, and the community dedicating herself to public service and advocacy since 2003. A proud steward, Boyer played a pivotal role in securing over $110 million in PSLF Student Loan Forgiveness for more than 700 members. negotiated a 20% raise for teachers in 39 low-performing schools over three and a half years and fought for increased RRAS percentages for mid-career teachers.
Boyer’s leadership has earned her recognition in American Teacher-AFT Magazine and Politico.com, where her efforts in education reform are Highlighted. She has fought for Miami Edison Senior High to remain open and is an advocate for all children with statements in articles like the Miami Herald’s “Florida Wins More Time to Teach English Language Learners” (12/22/2014). Boyer’s contributions extend beyond local initiatives. She served on the Civics Curriculum Advisory Board with former Governor and Senator Bob Graham, helping design the “How to Guide to Effective Citizenship for Young People” (2017-18). Her contributions to education policy and student success are featured in prominent media outlets, including Local 10 News and the Miami Herald.
Notably, her significant role in increasing state high school graduation rates through bi-partisan lobbying efforts with Representative Quinones aided in passing legislation that added the ACT/SAT as state standardized alternatives since 2003. Boyer’s personal story was shared in the Miami Herald, “How Did 9/11 Change the Classroom?” (9/15/2021). This pivotal and tragic moment deeply strengthened her commitment to education and public service. She is the First of Haitian descent to be Elected to Serve as United Teachers of Dade’s First Vice President and to Serve as an Executive Officer.
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MINDY GRIMES-FESTGE
SECRETARY/TREASURER
During her nine years as the Secretary/Treasurer, Mindy Grimes-Festge has been able to ensure that our union’s financials continue to be strong and transparent.
Mindy received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from FIU and has been a teacher and UTD member for over 33 years. She taught for 25 years at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary where she became a staunch advocate for the teaching profession and served as Designated Building Steward. She was an Executive Board member for three years before being elected as Secretary/Treasurer in 2016. Mindy serves on the Board of The Children’s Trust, the Education Chair for the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade, the Chair of the Membership Development/Internal Organizing Committee for FEA and is a member of the FEA Governance Board.
Mindy represents members as a delegate to FEA, NEA, AFT, and the AFL-CIO. She has attended Target Tallahassee and the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference to advocate for public schools and education profession. Mindy believes that leadership through active involvement is the greatest way to make effective change and that all of us – Clericals, Security Monitors, Paraprofessionals and Teachers – deserve respect. We can only gain that respect when we all stand united.
She is the proud mom of three sons, all graduates of M-DCPS, and her husband is a high school teacher and UTD member.
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