Joe Malfara is an award-winning educator with over twelve years of classroom experience and a deep passion for inspiring students by empowering their teachers. He spent ten years as a high school English teacher and now serves as the AVID Coordinator, guiding students from underrepresented backgrounds through the college admissions process. Under his leadership, his most recent AVID senior class of 35 students earned 161 college acceptances and over $5 million in scholarships and grants.

Joe is driven by a firm belief in the potential of all young people, regardless of their background or experience level. His work centers around the mission of helping both students and teachers create lasting, positive change in their schools and communities.

His accomplishments include being recognized as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, a 2019 News Channel 13 A+ Teacher Honoree, and a nominee for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. He was named the 2020 Teacher of the Year for the School District of Osceola County and was honored as Poinciana High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2019–2020. Joe is also a proud member of the Florida Teacher LEAD Network and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Joe lives in Kissimmee, Florida, with his wife Danielle—also an educator—and their daughter Cecilia. Together, they share a commitment to service, learning, and building a brighter future for the next