The students in Jordan McGaughey’s 10^th grade American Government class learn to explore all sides of an issue and connect historical events with today’s political climate. McGaughey serves the Fox C-6 School District by helping to develop curriculum, offering professional development, mentoring student teachers and acting as an instructional coach. Those are among the reasons that McGaughey has been named a winner of the Milken Educator Awards.

“Jordan McGaughey is an innovator. He creates authentic opportunities that engage his students in the education process, and their scores are a direct result of that involvement,” said Lowell Milken, Milken Family Foundation chairman and co-founder, who created the Awards. “His integration of technology and social media is relevant to this age group, but more importantly an effective demonstration of communication and information sharing at a higher level. Jordan’s students are developing character and perspective, and we’re pleased to welcome this educator into the Milken family.”

Fox C-6 School District officials called a surprise assembly for the announcement today at Seckman High School in Imperial, Mo. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educators Awards, made the presentation, which includes an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000. Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven was on hand for the celebration and helped surprise Jordan.

“We are delighted that Jordan is among Missouri’s Milken Educators,” said Commissioner Vandeven. “His ability to inspire learning exemplifies why great teaching matters. His students have mentioned his influence as they entered professional careers.”

Prior to becoming a Milken Educator, McGaughey was named Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the St. Louis area, Fox C-6 District Teacher of the Year, and Seckman High School Teacher of the year, all in 2015-16. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education from Truman State University.

The Milken Educator Awards are given each year to outstanding K–12 teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. Missouri began participating in the Milken Educator Awards in 1996. Since then, a total of 47 Missouri educators have been honored with the Milken prize. Recipients join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators fostering effective educational leadership.