Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Vol. 40, No. 41

Two St. Louis Educators Win $25,000 Milken Award

Two St. Louis area elementary teachers were surprised with big news yesterday (Oct. 9). During emotional assemblies at their schools, each learned she is a winner of a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award.

The teachers are:

• Luella Atkins, reading coach for grades K-6, Airport Elementary School, Ferguson-Florissant School District

• Susan Carter, first-grade teacher, Jackson Park Elementary School, University City School District

The awards were presented by Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken and Deputy Commissioner Bert Schulte.

The Milken Educator Award is given to classroom teachers, principals and other public school professionals who are providing exemplary leadership in their schools and communities and working to promote excellence in public education.

This fall, up to 100 educators in 48 states and the District of Columbia will receive the prestigious honor.

"Good teachers are the linchpin in our education system, playing a critical role in propelling student learning," Lowell Milken said. "Every child deserves to be in a classroom with a teacher who inspires, illustrates and advances excellence. It’s imperative that as a nation we recognize the importance of outstanding teachers and encourage young, talented people to choose teaching as a career."

Ferguson-Florissant Teacher

Ms. Atkins has taught in the Ferguson-Florissant School District since 1996. As reading coach for the school’s Reading First program, she trains teachers in writing and language arts skills and strategies, and assists in assessing students. She was a Missouri STARR (Select Teachers As Regional Resources) Teacher for 2002-04.

"Ms. Atkins’ focus is totally centered on meeting students’ needs. She utilizes various research-based instructional methodologies to incorporate diverse activities and materials to engage and interest students. She works to develop a strong rapport with parents and other educational providers working with students," Principal Rosetta Patton said.

University City Teacher

Ms. Carter has taught first grade at Jackson Park Elementary School since 2001. She is chair of the school’s professional development committee. She also is a National Board Certified teacher and serves as a candidate facilitator for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

"Ms. Carter provides students with a great balance of academic rigor and socially conscious instruction. In addition to learning the skills necessary for success in content areas, she makes it a point to give students experiences, which help them to grow into caring members of their community," Principal Carlos Diaz-Granados said.

20th Anniversary of the Educator-Recognition Award

This is the 20th anniversary of the Milken Educator Awards, first presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Since its inception, the Milken Family Foundation has awarded more than $56 million to 2,200 outstanding educators across the country. Missouri has participated in the program since 1996.

Ms. Atkins and Ms. Carter did not know they were being considered for the award. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education coordinates the state-level selection process and appoints an independent panel of educators who recommend candidates for the award.

Missouri’s recipients will receive their cash awards in April 2007 during ceremonies at the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference to be held in Los Angeles, Calif. At the conference, new recipients engage in professional development and examine solutions to significant issues in education with leaders from academia, government, business and the community.