Four members of New York State United Teachers have each received $25,000 for outstanding excellence in teaching from a national foundation in surprise award assemblies at each school. This marks the first time in 24 years of bestowing the awards that the Milken Foundation has recognized an educator in New York State - and now four were so honored in one week!
The awards to the four teachers are emblematic of the innovation and quality teaching in public schools across the state. All the awards were presented this week at school assemblies.
The list of exemplary teachers honored includes:
Each school assembly where the awards were presented was co-hosted by New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner and Lowell Milken of the Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards. The New York State Department of Education helped in identifying teachers from thousands of potential recipients and in keeping the announcements a surprise for teachers and students.
Criteria for selection include effective instructional practices and student learning results; educational accomplishments beyond the classroom; contributions that are largely unheralded yet worth of attention; educators who offer long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and those who have an engaging and inspiring presence.