Photos
2022-23 Milken Educators
Photo 19 of 36
TYLER SHOWS (MS '22)
Petal Upper Elementary | Petal, Mississippi
Excited students hooted, hollered and reached out for high-fives as a very surprised Tyler Shows walked up to accept Mississippi's 2022 Milken Educator Award this morning. Tyler teaches fifth grade math at Petal Upper Elementary, and he was completely shocked when we called his name and presented him with a huge $25,000 check. MEA Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley made the announcement, with Mississippi Interim Superintendent of Education Dr. Kim Benton on hand to help us welcome Tyler to the Milken Educator Network.
Tyler is a teacher leader and a hometown hero in Petal School District — he attended the nearby elementary school where his mother still teaches. When it was Tyler's turn to address the assembly, he thanked his colleagues for all their support: "If I could choose any job in the world, I would choose the one I already have." Why does he teach? Tyler's answer is simple: "Our kids need us."
Tyler had an additional message for students. "Pat your teachers on the back today," he said. "Thank them. They care about you more than you will ever know and understand." Students had a message for him, too — they chanted his name for several long, loud minutes!
All photos should be credited to "Milken Family Foundation" unless otherwise noted.
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