Three Wisconsin Educators Receive Surprise Awards

From the Department of Public Instruction

Three educators from schools in Beaver Dam, Green Bay, and Madison received 2000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards in surprise all-school assemblies held October 3 and 4.

In addition to the recognition at their school, each Milken winner receives a $25,000 award which can be used any way the recipient chooses.

The educators were selected without their knowledge by a blue ribbon panel appointed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Recipients are

• Jennifer Gaab, 4th-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Beaver Dam;
• Marcy Levine, 1st-grade teacher at Doty Elementary School in Green Bay; and
• Deborah Mercier, principal of Franklin Elementary School in Madison.

"The Milken National Educator Awards Program provides Wisconsin a tremendous opportunity to recognize the contributions educators make to the lives of young people in our schools," said State Superintendent John T. Benson. "One dedicated teacher, one caring principal can inspire a young person to greatness. It is vital that bright students consider becoming teachers and see education as a lifelong career that makes a difference."

This is the second year the Milken Family Foundation presented its National Educator Awards in Wisconsin. Established in 1985 with the first awards made in 1987, the Milken Family Foundation presented $3.75 million in financial rewards and honored 145 outstanding educators in 42 states this year.

"By choosing to practice in the most noble and important profession there is, and by doing it with such excellence, each Milken educator is making a lasting contribution to young people's minds, imaginations and character," said Lowell Milken, president and chairman of the Milken Family Foundation. "Each one is a sure and steady guide, a timeless hero not just to our young people, but to us all."

Recipients of the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of numerous criteria, including exceptional educational talent as demonstrated by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession; outstanding accomplishment and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

The recipients will receive their $25,000 awards at the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference, a three-day professional development conference held annually in June in Los Angeles. The educators also are invited to join the Milken Educator Network, a coalition of more than 1,600 education professionals, including past award recipients, working together to improve education in their own states and nationwide.

For more information about the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards, visit the Milken Family Foundation website at http://www.mff.org.