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Drew Central School was full of excitement Thursday, February 23, 2023 as elementary students filed into the basketball gym for a surprise presentation.
Faculty and staff had been given limited information about the event in order to keep the award presentation a secret.
Governor Sarah Sanders, along with Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva and Dr. Joshua Barnett with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, presented Emily Howard, third grade teacher, with the Milken Educator Award and a check for $25,000.
Barnett explained that the Milken Educator Award is unique because no one can apply or be nominated for the award. The foundation finds winners from across the country. Many Arkansas educators have received this award but Howard is the first from Drew County to be a recipient.
“In just six years as an educator, Emily Howard has demonstrated outstanding dedication to honing her craft, increasing student achievement and uplifting her peers,” said Dr. Barnett. “Emily understands the unique educational needs of a rural community and works daily to strengthen the collective role of students, educators, parents and community members in building a culture of growth. The Milken Educator Award honors her service as a role model for the state and nation, and for her potential to impact the profession for decades to come. Congratulations.”
Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners’ list remain a closely guarded secret until each Award is announced.
“We are always excited to celebrate excellence in teaching, and today we celebrate Ms. Howard,” Oliva said. “Ms. Howard exhibits all the wonderful characteristics and traits of exceptional teachers. From her inviting classroom and student and parental engagement to using student data to guide instruction and student growth in key academic subject areas, Ms. Howard reflects the epitome of great teaching. Congratulations to her on this well-deserved honor!”
Along with the financial prize, recipients join the national Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,900 and growing of exemplary teachers, principals and specialists. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others dedicated to excellence in education.
The honorees will also attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to increase their impact on K-12 education.
In addition, they will learn about how to become involved in the Milken Friends Forever (MFF) mentoring program, in which new Milken Educators receive personalized coaching and support from a Milken Educator veteran on ways to elevate their instructional practice and take an active role in educational leadership, policy and practice.
“We find you. You don’t find us!” Unlike most teacher recognition programs, the Milken Educator Awards initiative has no formal nomination or application process. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then reviewed by blue ribbon panels in each state. The most exceptional candidates are recommended for the Award, with final selection made by the Milken Family Foundation.
Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels.
The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. For instance, some have spent the funds on their children’s or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
