were notified last week that they are the latest recipients of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
During National Notification Week, which took place September 14-18, these outstanding educators were surprised with the news of their award in a series of school assemblies, classroom visits and phone calls involving top education officials across the country.
None of the honored educators knew that they were recipients until the moment their names were announced, usually in front of their classroom or school.
The Milken Educator Award includes not only public recognition for the recipients' academic efforts, but a financial award of $25,000.
"The Milken Educator Award honors those educators who are true leaders in their field," said Foundation President Lowell Milken, who personally attended 15 notifications in six states. "Their exemplary work not only benefits the children they teach, but hopefully will encourage talented youth to consider teaching as a career."
Since its inception in 1985, the Milken Educator Awards program has honored 1,330 educators in 38 states with over $33 million in financial awards.
Three states -- Florida, Alabama and Arizona - are new to the program this year. Alabama and Arizona each honored six educators, while Florida honored eight. Each of the remaining 35 states named four educators to receive the award.
Below are photos and video clips from the 15 schools nationwide where
Lowell Milken personally notified the recipients. Click on any of the
thumbnails for a larger image and caption.
