| Posted 05/03/2007 10:39 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=410">Dr. Louise Coleman</a>, 1989 Illinois Milken Educator
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In 1989, I received the most unbelievable phone call imaginable, to say the least. Attempting to digest the good news of being named one of Illinois's Distinguished Educators, my anxiety level increased with the thought of having to attend a banquet to receive the award. Reality came when my name was called, among others, to receive this prestigious award from the Milken Family Foundation. This event was like a dream, but the reality of it is lasting a lifetime. I was principal at Taft School in Joliet, Illinois, when I received the honor. The students and staff were honored as well because I let them know I could not have gotten this recognition if they were not doing an outstanding job too. As a matter of fact, the city of Joliet joined Taft School in our celebration of this event. Six months later, I was appointed superintendent of Joliet Public Schools, which lasted until my retirement in August 2000. The exposure I received from getting this award was truly the catalyst for change concerning my career opportunities. Currently, as I travel around the country speaking and assisting educational institutions the one award that is still the most impressive on my resume is the Milken Award, a dream that became a reality and is lasting a lifetime.
Dr. Louise E. Coleman
Retired School Superintendent
1989 Illinois Milken Educator
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| Posted 05/02/2007 12:45 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=1048">Ronnelle Blankenship</a>, 1992 Tennessee Milken Educator
The honor of being among the first Tennessee recipients of the Milken Educator Award has been long-lasting and far-reaching. As all awardees experience, I was awed by the glamour of the setting, the celebration of our profession, and the positive interaction with truly exceptional educators from around the country. It was like the Academy Awards and the old Queen for a Day and The Millionaire television shows all rolled into one. Am I telling my age?
As I reflect on the lasting impact of receiving this recognition, I realize that my personal career was affected in many ways. I made many friends within my state with whom I continue to network. I became active in planning educational and leadership programs within my school system and eventually joined the administrative team. One of the most exciting impacts of the award, however, has been the networking opportunities within my community that have opened as a result of being recognized as a professional in my field. I have made...
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| Posted 04/26/2007 12:56 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=502">Janice Crowley</a>, 1997 Kansas Milken Educator
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The most memorable moment for me outside the Awards Ceremony was the huge surprise of hearing my name called out as recipient of the Milken Award. I had been in the auditorium listening to Bob Gast and Dale Dennis talk about teachers making a difference and all these nice things about how teachers make sacrifices and that they were here to show a big thank you to one of those teachers and that when they called on this person's name, would they come to the front? Meanwhile I was looking at the front row at some awesome colleagues I taught with, such as Judy Goodpasture, Ernie Drowatsky, Bill Scherich to name a few, and thinking they would be one of the recipients when suddenly, Stacey Hinkle who was sitting next to me told me, "Janice, get up." I laughed at her and said "No, you get up"—thinking she was joking with me. She said, "No, you get up, silly—they called your name." Again, I poked at her like a little kid and said, "Your turn." The next thing I knew, TV cameras were on me filming my every move! It was really amazing how this surprise was pulled off. I had no idea that I had really won this and that my name had been called out. I love how the Milken Family Foundation surprises teachers every year and I enjoy...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 10:57 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Finally, we had arrived at the farewell event.
Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley welcomed us to the session, which provided some answers for the question flickering in the minds of many our new Milken Educators: Where do I go from here? After such a momentous Conference, it seemed difficult to imagine a fitting sequel.
The name of the dinner provided a hint: "Milken Educators Shaping the Future: Opportunities and Responsibilities." We had no sooner taken our seats that Jane introduced Dr. Yvonne Chan, a 1991 California Milken Educator, now head of a charter school and a member of the state board of education.
What a presentation! Yvonne's energy level made Richard Simmons seem like a feeble old man. Yvonne described the process of becoming involved in community efforts, urging us to carry a healthy respect for...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 05:57 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
One of the last sessions of the Conference involved an opportunity for our new Milken Educators to benefit from the expertise of some veteran Milken Educators. The mini-sessions were divided into six sessions: administrators; kindergarten, first and second-grade; third grade; fourth grade; fifth and sixth grade; and specialists.
K-2: The primary crew, moderated by Jane Fung (CA '02), had a wide range of approaches to share. Cindy Mossey (WY '06) brought neatly organized writing worksheets for young writers called "Primary Writers: Finding their Voice." The worksheet contained two sections for assessment, one created by the teacher, the other created by the kids. Examples the resulting of student writing appeared on the back of the sheet.
Reneé Borden (TN '06), a kindergarten teacher, introduced a unit called "Start Smart" to "actively involve and educate the parents in the development of early literacy." Moderator Jane Fung presented...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 01:21 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
On Monday, the first day of the Milken Institute Global Conference, Lowell Milken led a discussion called "Reforming a K-12 Education System Resistant to Change," involving four leaders in education: Bill Bennett, former US Secretary of Education, now of the Claremont Institute; Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; Susan Zelman, superintendent, Ohio Department of Education; and David Dunn, chief of staff, U.S. Department of Education.
Lowell outlined the overarching problems with the current system of education. He talked about ways of building human capital, but pointed out that the days are drawing to a close when we can use all of them in America. Education generally increases lifetime income, but that is not consistently true any more.
He pointed out that the earlier we invest in education, the greater the return on the investment. In spite of increased funding and course offerings, however, we are beginning to find...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 10:12 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=19370">Melissa McDermid</a>, 2006 Michigan Milken Educator
Tonight I entered into a new adventure in education! I was welcomed with open arms into the Milken Family. Every possible moment was thought out: the wonderful cadets who carried the state flags, the talented singers, all staff members who were there for us, and the Milken family and Foundation members cheering loudly! One really important thing happened, though: I truly understood why we were all there—we deserved it! This group of '06 Milken Educators are high-achieving professionals concerned about education!
So now what?! I have a strong urge to sing it to the rooftops that EDUCATORS are the key! We need qualified teachers in classrooms across the United States.
Today I realized how much I need to speak out and encourage others to follow the call for teaching.
Thank you, Milken Family Foundation—I get it! We were lucky you picked us, but our students are luckier because we are re-energized!!
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| Posted 04/23/2007 08:44 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Once again the magic began; once again the anticipation level began to rise. We gathered at the Beverly Hilton—the same place where the Golden Globes were held back in January—for one of the events that tugs most insistently at the heartstrings of virtually every Milken Educator. The annual Milken Awards reception and banquet had begun.
The entire contingent—new Milken Educators and veterans, chief state school officers, state officials and guests—gathered for a relaxing reception just outside the banquet hall. After visiting for a while, the curtains slid back, and we entered to find our tables.
With a familiar flourish of trumpets, the 2007 Milken Educators made their entrance by state, led by their respective chief state school officer or representative, and their state flag, borne by a member of the James Monroe High School Army JROTC. As the students stood at attention with the entire collection of state flags, veteran Milken Educator Alicia Harris (IN '01) sang a moving rendition of "God Bless America"...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 07:50 AM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=15748">Jennifer L. Bruney</A>, 2004 Ohio Milken Educator
WOW! The first thing I thought was just that . . . WOW! It all truly "sank in" at that moment. I remember getting ready in the beautiful hotel and going down the elevator. As I walked into the foyer, I saw all of these new, wonderful friends I had made decked out in their finest. It was fabulous. Everyone had the same look of AWE on their faces—excited and still in a state of disbelief!
I can honestly say the Milken Foundation made me feel like royalty. I truly felt like a princess; I felt so honored—yet, still wondered, "How in the world did they find me & are they really sure they have the right person???!!!".
That feeling only intensified as we made our way into the ceremony. I felt SO INCREDIBLE! I had only wished my Mom (who died 1 1/2 years earlier) and Dad could have been there! It was...
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| Posted 04/23/2007 07:30 AM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=2300">Zan Burningham</A>, 1999 Utah Milken Educator
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award is so life-altering it should be considered a narcotic. Only someone who has stood dazed and confused, when their name is announced at the secret Milken Awards assembly, would relate to this surreal situation. In life there are those rare "defining moments" when everything around you is happening in slow motion, and all your senses are heightened. Running, leaping, somehow moving forward through a gauntlet of screaming teenagers, showing their love and appreciation without reservation, was unforgettable.
The educational, personal, and professional growth enhancement provided me by the Milken Family Foundation gave me the courage to lead. Some of the byproducts of being a Milken Educator have been: being elected the co-president of the Utah Art Education Association, having the American Councils for International Education (ACIE) select me to be an ambassador for education to Russia, and then...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 05:55 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=14189">Beverly Plein</A>, 2003 New Jersey Milken Educator
It seemed like a dream when they announced my name as the next Milken Educator. Like so many of you, I didn't know why I was chosen. After all, being a teacher was always my dream and I felt fortunate having a job that I loved. Watching children grow and develop into fine young men and women seemed like reward enough.
When I arrived in Washington, D.C. to attend the Milken National Education Conference, I felt like I was still dreaming. I met the most incredible educators, listened to outstanding speakers and attended the most spectacular night of my life! I was overwhelmed by Lowell Milken and the other members of the Milken Foundation. Their kindness and attention to detail were amazing. After all, how often are you served a miniature chocolate baby grand piano filled with mousse surrounded by fresh berries after listening to a performance by a Grammy-nominated pianist?
I arrived home feeling inspired and empowered by the experience. I soon realized...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 05:00 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Lewis C. Solmon, president of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, introduced and led the panel discussion on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reauthorization, which asked the question, "Will tinkering work, or is a complete overhaul needed?" Panel members included: Arne Duncan, CEO of Chicago Public Schools; Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Maryland state superintendent of education; Nina Rees, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for Knowledge Universe Education, LLC; and Amanda Farris, deputy assistant secretary for policy and strategic initiatives at the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary Secondary Education.
Lew began with slides correlating the results of state proficiency tests and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests. He observed that "the majority of teachers say that NCLB is causing problems in the schools." Following are...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 04:42 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
After lunch, we were transported to the Beverly Hilton, where we were treated to a panel discussion of the topic, "Educators Speak Out On K12 Reform." Led by Lowell Milken, the panelists included Susan Couch (LA '04) executive master teacher with the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) in Louisiana; Elie Gaines (AZ '04), first grade teacher; Chris Ormiston (TX '05), high school science teacher; Nader Twal (CA '03), high school coordinator; and Wanda Watkins, principal of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.
As he set the stage for the discussion, Lowell showed a series of PowerPoint slides that displayed graphs illustrating the long-term flat-lining of learning, indicating that America is not getting the job done in public education. He observed that "in spite of around $180 billion poured into Title I, only 58 percent of black fourth graders and 64 percent of Hispanic fourth graders can read. A major cause for this lack of progress is that the system has not made the changes necessary to attract and retain quality teachers...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 04:04 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=401">Sheila J. Bowens</a>, 1990 Illinois Milken Educator
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The awards ceremony at the 1991 Milken National Education Conference was awesome. I remember the little girl that sang "Wind Beneath My Wings." I was so filled because, not being married, the significant other that accompanied me to the Conference was my mother, who is the "Wind Beneath My Wings." She has always been my role model and favorite and best teacher. So having her there was very special to me and I thank the Milken Family Foundation for allowing me to bring her along to help me celebrate. She is no longer with me, she passed in 1998, but when I walked out onto that stage and they called my name, I looked out into the audience and down front at my momma. She was beaming. I saw her mouth say, "I love you" and "I'm proud of you." That made me feel like I had just received an Academy Award. I've always considered the Milken Award the Academy Award for teachers. I felt like Wow! Here I am, Sheila J. Bowens, from little old Edwardsville, Illinois, and these people are treating this humble teacher as someone special. I still get chills just thinking that I was chosen to represent my great state of Illinois and all the wonderful teachers in the state. The Awards Ceremony was magical. Like Cinderella going to the ball.
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| Posted 04/22/2007 02:14 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
We sat at assigned tables for lunch. At my table were Michael Milken and his wife Lori, Colorado Milken Educator Karen Brown (CO '06), New Jersey Milken Educator Tonya Brelund (NJ '06) and her guest, Michigan Milken Educator Nina Hawkins (MI '06) and her guest, and Nevada Milken Educator Stephanie Steckler (NV '06) and her fiancé.
We took our seats, and Jane Foley greeted us and presented us with a video background on Foundation Co-Founder Lowell Milken. At the end of the video, she introduced Lowell himself.
Lowell began by reminding us that recognition is the key to raising the level of performance, not only for the recipient of the recognition, but also for everyone associated with the recipient. He related how the program grew from 12 recipients in California in 1987 to over 2,200 now in 48 states and the District of Columbia...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 01:04 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=17848">Michael Nelson</a>, 2005 Idaho Milken Educator
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Welcome to the Milken National Educator Conference. You are in for a spectacular event that certainly will remind you of the importance of our profession and the lasting impact.
I was honored to be present at last year's Milken National Education Conference and was astounded at the opportunity given to me to not only be recognized as a leader in the teaching craft, but to also feel empowered to continue the progress of high quality teaching and learning for the coming centuries.
During this event, you will be duly rewarded for the enormous contributions that you make to our children's lives and to your communities. Not only will these days allow you reflect upon those times coming to school early or staying late, correcting papers and planning instruction—working hard to meet the educational needs of students—but certainly you will also be reminded of the smile of a learning child and how you as a leader can work with educational stakeholders to not allow our students to fail in our classrooms or their future lives.
Congratulations on your award and educators throughout our great country salute you for your current and future accomplishments.
Enjoy your day.
Mike
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| Posted 04/22/2007 12:52 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=14113">Joanne E. Ho</a>, 2003 Nevada Milken Educator
Dear Milken Educators and New Recipients:
In 2003, I received the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award for the State of Nevada and from that day forward, it has remarkably changed my life. To say this may sound so cliché, but it really did make me a more pro-active school leader.
Let me explain. First, upon receiving the award at the Milken National Education Conference in Washington D. C., I became aware of how powerful we are as a family of educators. When I met all the other recipients, I felt the synergy of activism, leadership, reform, and professional pride all present at one time. It was invigorating, stimulating, exciting; at that moment, I felt there was no problem our collective minds could not solve concerning education and its issues. It was empowering.
Since that moment, my vision has broadened and it has set me on the road to completing my master's degree in education administration; I graduate next month in May. It has taken me over 30 years to realize this dream. If it were not for the Milken award, my ambition to pursue a more active role in school reform may...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 12:49 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=616">Tom Sferes</a>, 1991 Maine Milken Educator
The greatest reward (read: "award") that any teacher will ever receive is the joy of seeing the difference we can make for our students. What the Milken Educator Award did was to say to me and my Milken colleagues that your life is making a difference. What all teachers need to know is that they are all making the same difference in their own ways. In order to acknowledge this, I have, through the past 15 years, been quietly sharing this award by assisting students, through such diverse ways as paying for college applications, giving small grants for college, paying for field trips, helping parents of my students who are in crisis, buying materials for the many co-curricular activities my students undertake, etc. Receiving the Milken Award has helped me to further the difference I am making for students. Thank you, Milken Family Foundation!
Tom Sferes
ME '91
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| Posted 04/22/2007 11:34 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Sunday dawned with an overcast sky, but the spirits of the new Milken Educators were bright. After an outstanding breakfast buffet, we gathered in an adjacent room for an introduction to our new family, the Milken Family Foundation.
Richard Sandler, Foundation executive vice president, opened the welcome session and announced that the theme of the conference: Shaping the Future—Educational Excellence in a Global Economy. He described the Milken National Education Conference's partnership this year with the Milken Institute's Global Conference, of which education is one of the main areas of focus.
Richard gave a history of the Milken Educator Award, founded in 1985 by Michael and Lowell Milken. He told us it's their hope that some day, teachers of the caliber of today's Milken Educators will be the rule, rather than the exception...
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| Posted 04/22/2007 08:09 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Saturday evening. Once again it begins.
Promptly at 7:00 p.m., the gathering crowd of new Milken Educators, veteran Milken Educators, and Milken Family Foundation staff assembled at the site of the Welcome Dinner.
Dr. Jules Lesner, Milken Family Foundation senior advisor, gave a brief welcoming speech, during which it was discovered that more people than he had anticipated had been to Los Angeles before, and more also had been to previous Milken National Education Conferences. It's starting to become habit forming!
We sat at a table with...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 11:37 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=17837">Jasmine Lellock</A>, 2005 Massachusetts Milken Educator
Rewarding quality educators is one of the most important things we can do for education. Teachers have one of the toughest jobs, and they often receive little recognition (either financial or otherwise) for going above and beyond the call of duty—and the call of duty is already challenging enough! Giving excellent educators the recognition that they deserve can propel others to imitate their successes and can give them the push and support that they need to continue achieving. Attending the conference helped me to see the wonderful things that my colleagues were accomplishing and to realize just how important it is to recognize their unique contributions to the world of education. Winning the Milken was one of the highlights of my entire life, and I hope that I will continue to become a better educator in order to live up to the potential that the Milken folks saw in me.
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| Posted 04/21/2007 05:08 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=897">Richard Benz</A>, 1992 Ohio Milken Educator
How did the Milken Award impact me? Wow!! Let me count the ways….
When people ask me what I do for a living, I always tell them I am a storyteller. I happen to tell stories about biology. That's how I teach. The award was the beginning of so many stories that my head is spinning trying to remember them all. First things first.
I was Milken Awardee in 1992, the first year that Ohio was added to the list of states. What a surprise! I didn't even know what the Milken Awards were. The first thing I remember thinking, and saying, was, "Someone noticed!" The second thing I said was, "Now I can go to the Galapagos Islands." This is the dream of most biology teachers and it was certainly one of my dreams. Little did I know how this realized dream was going to impact what I did in the classroom and what I was able to contribute to the world of science education.
I did visit the Galapagos Islands the next year. When someone has a very deeply rooted dream come true it is an indescribable experience. (But then again I AM a storyteller!) I was in heaven. I remember thinking...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 03:51 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=13937">Susan Couch</A>, 2004 Louisiana Milken Educator
Susan Couch is a panelist on a Sunday panel discussion called "Educators Speak Out on K-12 Reform."Educators work from the heart. Looking for recognition, expecting an overflow of support, is not the focus; they just want to do what's best for children. Driven by district and state mandates, an effort to do what is best for students in our class brings complacency. It is time to provide the support teachers need in the classroom. Self-reflection is a powerful attribute. How do we learn the practice of self-reflection? First, if our students are the purpose of teaching, their specific needs drive instruction...we have to ask ourselves...is that happening?
Districts offer extensive exposure to new programs and resources. What happens to these wonderful opportunities for professional development when the teacher gets back to the classroom and he/she is alone? Remember..."complacent mode"...trying to stay on track in the textbook with co-workers...we must ask ourselves, what happens to the new learning if success is not immediate? That new training goes on the shelf. Pulling together as states and districts to provide ongoing support and professional development is the key. Accomplishing this involves...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 03:10 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=608">Dorothy A. Maxwell</A>, 1995 Maine Milken Educator
The most memorable moment from my Milken National Education Conference was the overwhelming positive recognition as a teacher. The upbeat atmosphere coupled with meeting so many positive colleagues in the various fields was both empowering and energizing. The Awards Ceremony was truly my closest brush with Hollywood and the Academy Awards—I never dreamed anything like this would happen to me. The Conference itself impacted me, in that email was just beginning, and all Milken Educators were given free accounts, wow! The strong emphasis on technology integration propelled me very quickly into other areas in my teaching as a business educator. When I returned to Maine, I began in earnest developing a Distinguished Educators Network in Maine with Milken Educators being front and center at the beginning. This has continued and taken on a variety of forms. I have stayed active. Today I am in my 41st year of teaching, and last year I took on yet another exciting challenge...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 12:26 PM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=249">Marcella Miller</A>, 1994 Connecticut Milken Educator
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It has been 13 years since I was a Milken Educator Award recipient. This past week I attended the funeral of a friend and colleague who was there to congratulate me at the 1994 Connecticut celebration award ceremony. She moved up in our profession from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent and finally, four years ago, to her goal of becoming superintendent of schools. During our time together in the early '90s we trained 80 percent of elementary teachers in Northwest Connecticut in the Frameworks Literacy program. My award and hers as principal of a National Blue Ribbon School did much to encourage other teachers in our respective school districts to strive for excellence in their classrooms. As a facilitator I was able to use much of the innovative software I'd been given from the Little Planet Early Literacy program during my time in California. That next year, I was invited to serve on a panel at the Massachusetts Superintendents' Conference in Falmouth to discuss my professional opinion of these materials. I heartily endorsed them as an educator and as a grandmother whose grandchildren would be attending schools in Massachusetts...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 10:25 AM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=19339">Carla Elizabeth Bittner</A>, 2006 New Jersey Milken Educator
I will never forget the moment that I received the Milken Educator Award. The morning had been hectic as I had been placed in charge of the assembly for the Commissioner of Education's visit, along with her special guests of whom I knew nothing about. So when Dr. Jane Foley took the stage and began speaking about the Milken Foundation I thought it must be some sort of state initiative. However, as she continued to explain the purpose for her visit you could feel the excitement building in the room. The entire audience was practically on their feet before the award recipient was even announced. And as you can probably imagine, the room erupted as I shockingly stepped forward in response to my name. Could this be real? And why me?
This award could not have come at a better time in my life. Having taught for eight years I had begun to feel discouraged as a teacher. It's undoubtedly one of the most demanding jobs and I was simply feeling exhausted. This award provided me with...
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| Posted 04/21/2007 10:17 AM |
By <A HREF="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=1205">Shirley Curtis, Ed.D.</A>, 1998 Ohio Milken Educator
"How will I live up to such an honor?" I questioned myself after receiving the Milken Award. "I have been recognized at the state and national level. How will I live up to the recognition?" Oh, the pressure.
Since receiving the Milken Award in 1998, I knew I would continually strive to be a caring, dedicated, successful educator. It was not enough to be mediocre. I had to be the best I could be. Of course, I also previously believed this because all students deserved a highly qualified teacher, but the Milken recognition heightened my intensity toward excellence. Now years later, I can honestly say I will always strive for excellence. It is in my heart for children's sake...and thankfully the Milken Award validated this for me forever.
Shirley Curtis, Ed.D.
OH '98
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| Posted 04/20/2007 06:07 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=17910">Mark Schreiber</a>, 2005 Colorado Milken Educator
Ahh…conference time again! What a wonderful way to celebrate teachers in our nation. I'm sure it will be as wonderful for this year’s recipients as it was for my group last year as a 2005 recipient.
I remember it still like it was yesterday. The ride from the airport in a luxury car, the incredible meals, and especially being continually seated next to the most incredible teachers in the nation! Honestly as I talked to more and more teachers day after day and got to know what they had all done in the past or were planning to do in the future, I started to feel a bit out of place. I would catch myself thinking things like, "Do I really belong here?" Or "Did they get the right person?" During one of the breakout sessions, this exact sentiment was addressed by a teacher that had received his award two years prior. He said exactly what I had been thinking and then he said, "You may feel like someone made a mistake and now you are here, but believe me, the Milken Family doesn't make mistakes!"
I'm sure there will be some people this year that have the same feeling...
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| Posted 04/20/2007 11:00 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=12441">Jane Ching Fung</a>, 2002 California Milken Educator
What I remember about October 23, 2002—the day I was surprised with the Milken Educator Award—was being a little annoyed that we had to hold an assembly in the middle of a track change. It was my first day back from being off track for six weeks and there was a lot of work to be done setting up my classroom. I didn't need to stop everything and attend some district-"mandated" press conference. "Why didn't they choose a larger school?" I protested at lunch. Fast forward an hour later...yes, I was in shock, and feeling a little embarrassed over all the ranting and raving I was doing in the lunchroom before Lowell Milken handed me a huge check.
I don't remember the Awards Ceremony at the 2003 Milken Conference with as much clarity. I think I was in a daze the entire time. It's not every day that you are treated like royalty. Sure, I get hugs and daily compliments about my shoes from my five year-old students, but this was different. I was...
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| Posted 04/20/2007 09:48 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=401">Sheila J. Bowens</a>, 1990 Illinois Milken Educator
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I don't have enough space to tell it all but I will try. First, I have become an ambassador for my state. I have been allowed to represent teachers in my state at the local, state and national levels. I have been sent to Washington, D.C. as the lone teacher with a delegation of legislators, business round table president, and representatives from the governor's office and the Illinois state superintendent's office, at the original Goals 2000 Forum and two more events after the first year. I was selected by the college I graduated from, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (SIUE), to teach future teachers. I was selected by the state superintendent's office to serve as an educator-in-residence for four years. I was on loan to the state from my district, working with the best schools in my state and those schools needing assistance with developing and implementing school improvement plans. I was allowed to go into schools all over my state, mentoring, teaching teachers to teach best practices in reading and math, helping to plan and implement a Summer Bridges program, completing internal and external reviews, serving on state accredition teams for our state universities and numerous other duties. I have been on several state committees.
I know that I would not have been allowed to do all of these things if it had not been for the Milken Educator Award. I was even...
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| Posted 04/19/2007 12:49 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=19370">Melissa McDermid</a>, 2006 Michigan Milken Educator
Winning the Milken Educator Award has been a SPECTACULAR experience! On October 11th my world was ROCKED! I am still stunned that Kenbrook Elementary, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, was visited by the Milken Family and the Milken Family Foundation. The energy that day hasn't left me! My soul sings when I recall looking out into the audience and seeing so many faces smiling at me! My students and colleagues were BEAMING and I will cherish that moment! I hope they know that I was sending all that positive energy right back at them.
Personally, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the attention. I'm an educator—I teach! I want students and families to be successful! Being recognized reminded me why I came into the teaching profession—to connect students with their world and expand on their knowledge!
This award is a wonderful celebration of teaching—not only my teaching, but ALL those who are...
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| Posted 04/19/2007 11:06 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=616">Tom Sferes</a>, 1991 Maine Milken Educator
This week is April vacation week for K-12 teachers here in Maine. I spent virtually all of my "vacation" planning for upcoming school events: the week I return, my middle school students will begin teaching Spanish to students in grades four and five once a week for six weeks; on Friday of that same week, our Spanish students will host their Spanish email penpals from Kennebunk Middle School in an early "Cinco de Mayo" program that includes Spanish trivia, a Spanish-themed talent show, Salsa dancing, and a quesadilla luncheon. A week later our Spanish Club will host a performance of an native Incan musical group: "Inca Son" for not only our entire student body, but our Spanish "emailpals" from Kennebunk Middle School, and then a few weeks later, our Spanish students will head for a three-day trip to New York City, home to a treasure trove of Hispanic culture.
This is my 40th year of being a teacher. A teaching colleague popped in to visit me this week, and in seeing me updating my extensive teacher webpage and working on these co-curricular projects, suggested that I need to "get a life." My reply was simple, "This is my life. I love teaching."
Tom Sferes, Milken Educator '91 (Maine)
Spanish Teacher, Biddeford Middle School
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| Posted 04/19/2007 10:19 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=408">Barbara Chiles</a>, 1993 Illinois Milken Educator
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In the spring of 1994, I was a 45 year old physical education instructor with a master's degree who was on the downhill side of her teaching career. Spending five days at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and receiving the Milken National Educator Award rekindled a fire inside of me. Ashley Montagu, the anthropologist, defined education in these words: "To nourish and cause to grow." I realized that the art of education is to continue to grow as long as you live.
Once I got back to Western Illinois I decided I needed to get involved with education at the state level. I was asked by the Illinois State Board of Education to join the Illinois Academic Standards Project and help write the State Goals for Learning, content standards, and benchmarks for junior high physical education. What an incredible opportunity it was to work with other physical educators from all over the state and...
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| Posted 04/19/2007 08:01 AM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=11373">Glen Westbroek</a>, 2001 Utah Milken Educator
Since receiving the Milken Educator Award I have been given many opportunities to assist with professional development at my school. My principal has a professional development team that is responsible for making specific plans. After the team has met, I am often asked for additional input on how our training can impact teachers and ultimately students. Since receiving the Award, I have been asked to represent all the science teachers in my district (grades K-12). I work with two separate teams of teachers to plan science in-service trainings in my district. Trainings have been well received by all science educators. My principal recognized my desire to remain a "classroom teacher" and asked the district to not release me from even one hour of instruction time. Since participating in the Milken National Education Conference I have been more able to impact both students and teachers directly.
Glen Westbroek
Utah 2001
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| Posted 04/18/2007 06:54 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=2175">Kirk Brown</a>, 1999 California Milken Educator
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I can so vividly remember standing at the back of the stage, waiting to walk into the large hall following our state representative holding the California banner. I felt such a wave of emotion coming over me. I could hardly contain it. So many thoughts ran through my mind. The surprise award assembly… having Lowell Milken present the award to me…. Watching my family all come in from the gym foyer…. Having a video crew in my classroom filming students, colleagues, and business and industry partners…Watching my children and parents as the video was shown at the California gathering. And zoom, I was back, standing there following the banner walking in and taking my seat with my wife. As the program began, a very young Josh Groban just blew everyone away with his fantastic voice. Again, a huge wave of emotion came over me… I had to struggle to hang in there. Then, on a screen larger than any I had ever seen, my students were interviewed, followed by clips of students and colleagues. At this point, I had to look away. I was just so close to losing it for the tenth time at least. I looked at my wife, and she was just sobbing. I hugged her and no words were spoken. Such emotion even to recall fills my eyes with tears. The evening still seems surreal. I felt valued as an educator and my life’s work was so much appreciated and validated.
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| Posted 04/18/2007 06:05 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=19363">Heather Wilson</a>, 2006 Maine Milken Educator
Education has historically been a profession without fanfare or recognition. As teachers, we know that the reward is in the classroom; the light in our students' eyes is the reward we seek. However, with prestigious awards such as the Milken National Educator Award, we are given the attention and recognition that brings with it respect. Teachers are highly qualified professionals who not only have the most important job, but we also continue our own education and bring our knowledge into the classroom. Through programs like the Milken Educator Awards, we have the hope of
recruiting the nation's best and brightest to our profession. I'm so grateful to the Milken Foundation for bringing that respect to our profession, and I plan to continue to earn that respect throughout my career.
Heather Wilson
ME '06
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| Posted 04/18/2007 05:31 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=17863">Karen Teff</a>, 2005 Minnesota Milken Educator
It is hard to describe the impact of not only winning the Milken Award, but also of attending the Milken National Education Conference. I know that sounds trite, since that is what most Milken Educators say, but the reason we all say that is because it is true!! If I had to narrow the award's impact to a few things, however, I would say I gained motivation, confidence and credibility:
Motivation – After being surrounded with so many fabulous teachers in Washington, D.C., I felt like I needed to "step it up a bit" just to feel like I fit in with the rest of the teachers. I met so many people who impressed me so much that I thought, "What am I doing here?" Especially impressive to me were all the teachers who were Nationally Board Certified. As a direct result of the...
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| Posted 04/18/2007 12:56 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=150">Margo Sorenson</a>, 1991 California Milken Educator
The exhilaration and excitement of my first Milken National Education Conference have not dimmed, in spite of the 16 years that have passed since that event. To be able to meet with so many outstanding educators was a thrill—and it was so affirming to discover other teachers and administrators who shared the same visions and dreams for educating their students. Truly, the conference was a cross between college without finals (!) and a top-level seminar in educational theory and practice. What innovative ideas! What electric energy filled the conference rooms!
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| Posted 04/16/2007 02:06 PM |
By <a href="http://www.mff.org/mea/mea.taf?page=recipient&meaID=889">John Snyder</a>, 1992 Nevada Milken Educator
Once again, the annual Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference draws near. Once again we look forward to enlightening panel discussions, perceptive insights, and the chance to become acquainted with some of the finest educators in America.
In addition, we will once again be sharing descriptions of the Conference as it unfolds and soliciting comments from our Milken Educator colleagues and other Web site visitors. For the second year, we will be using a blog as a focal point for you to check in on what's happening at the Conference and add your viewpoint. And for the first time you'll not only be able to read Milken Educators' comments, but see and hear them in video interviews on a brand new vlog created just for the Conference.
This year's blog and vlog are the result of an alliance between the Milken Family Foundation and PBS Teachers...
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