Milken Educator Awards

The Milken Educator Awards, created in 1987 by Lowell Milken, is the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program. Nearly 3,000 exemplary teachers, principals and specialists have been surprised with individual, unrestricted $25,000 prizes. Recipients are heralded early to mid-career for what they have achieved—and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Honorees join the national Milken Educator Network, a group whose expertise is a valuable resource to those shaping the future of education.

Recipients are caught by surprise when their names are announced at emotional all-school assemblies in front of cheering students, proud colleagues, distinguished officials and the media. There’s a reason why many call the Milken Educator Awards the "Oscars of Teaching"—new Milken Educators have even been asked for autographs by admiring students! And while the celebrity treatment is well-deserved, the Awards aren’t about the glitz and glamour. They’re about bringing attention to these classroom heroes; serving at once as validation, motivation and inspiration to current and future quality educators. The message: We recognize you. We value you. We thank you.

For more information, visit Milken Educator Awards