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Milken Educator Awards
Milken Educator Awards
The Milken Educator Awards, hailed by Teacher magazine as the "Oscars of Teaching" has been opening minds and shaping futures for over 30 years. Research shows teacher quality is the driving in-school factor behind student growth and achievement. The initiative not only aims to reward great teachers, but to celebrate, elevate and activate those innovators in the classroom who are guiding America's next generation of leaders. Milken Educators believe, "The future belongs to the educated."
Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to the $25,000 prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,800 top teachers, principals, and specialists dedicated to strengthening education.
The Awards alternate yearly between elementary and secondary educators. Unlike most teacher recognition programs, the Milken Educator Award is completely unique: Educators cannot apply for this recognition and do not even know they are under consideration. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then are reviewed by blue ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education. Those most exceptional are recommended for the Award, with final selection made by the Milken Family Foundation.
The cash award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways; for instance, on their children's or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even on the adoption of children.
For more information, visit www.MilkenEducatorAwards.org.
Michigan's 2021 Milken Award Winner - Jenna O'Driscoll
Jenna O'Driscoll, an elementary principal at Merrill Park Elementary School in Saginaw, received the 2021 Milken Educator Award on April 21, 2022.
Michigan's 2021 Milken Award Winner: Stacie Yokhana
Stacie Yokhana, a fashion design teacher at Fraser High School in Fraser, received the 2021 Milken Educator Award on April 21, 2022.
Michigan's 2019 Milken Award Winner - Nick Peruski
Nick Peruski, a high school teacher and career and technical education (CTE) department coordinator at Lakeland High School in White Lake, received the 2019 Milken Educator Award on Friday, December 6, 2019.