CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
Vol. 43, No. 73
October 28, 2009
Webster Groves High School Teacher Wins
2009 Milken National Educator Award
Eric Dunn went to the gymnasium at Webster Groves High School with his students this morning expecting to hear a speech from the state’s new Commissioner of Education. He was probably a little distracted, since his wife is in the hospital and has just given birth to their second child.
So, it was a shocking and emotional moment for the students, staff and dignitaries in the gym when his name was called out and the surprise announcement was made: Dunn is the recipient of the 2009 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The honor includes an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.
The award was presented by Dr. Jane Foley, vice president of the Milken Family Foundation, based in Santa Monica, CA. Dunn is Missouri’s only recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award this year.
Dunn has taught mathematics at Webster Groves High School for 12 years. He consistently receives top evaluations from his students, and he is a leader on various school and district committees. He is respected for his ability to work with all types of students and to help them succeed in his math classes.
According to Dr. Jon Clark, principal of the high school, MAP test scores and Advanced Placement scores have increased steadily during Dunn’s tenure. Outside the classroom, Dunn is the leader of the school’s popular a cappella men’s choir, known as A-MEN. The group has recorded several CDs and performs frequently in the community.
“What sets Mr. Dunn apart is his ability to allow students the act of self-discovery with real-life examples, humor and passion, yet hold them to the highest expectations,” Clark wrote in nominating Dunn for the award.
The Milken National 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.
“Highly effective educators are the human capital that will equip America’s youth in this increasingly competitive global economy. By shining a national spotlight on these exceptional people, the Milken Educator Awards send a powerful message of the critical role that talented teachers play in preparing young people for a bright future,” said Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, in a prepared statement about this year’s awards.
This fall, more than 50 American educators will receive the prestigious Milken Award. This is the 23rd year that officials of the Milken Family Foundation have crisscrossed the nation, taking part in surprise school assemblies, and calling attention to the hard work and accomplishments of the unsung heroes in America’s schools.
The 2009 recipients also will receive an expense-paid trip to Los Angeles next spring for the annual Milken Educator Forum. All of the honorees will receive their $25,000 awards at that time.
Missouri has participated in the Milken National Educator Award program since 1996. A total of 41 Missouri educators in public schools have received the award since that time.
For more information about the foundation and the Milken Educator Awards, visit: www.mff.org/mea.