Unsung teacher hero surprised
Published: October 14, 2004
“I know you can do it - and I’ll be at your side to fight and struggle together with you. Together we’ll make it happen.”
Today I want to invest in someone.
In this Washington, D.C. suburb, Longfields Elementary School resource teacher Anthony Whittington often incorporates drama and art in his lessons — tactics that helped this former “alert status” school increase its student reading scores by 26 percent in just one year.
But the drama that unfolded today for Whittington, known as the unsung hero of the school’s academic turnaround, was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.
Under a veil of secrecy, California businessman Lowell Milken took the stage at a special school-wide assembly to share an exciting announcement with more than 800 students, faculty members and honored dignitaries. As the audience exploded in thunderous cheers, Whittington was stunned with the surprise of his life — a $25,000 “thank you” for his outstanding work — as he was named the 2,000th recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
Dubbed the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine, the awards were created by foundation Chairman Lowell Milken in 1987 to celebrate, elevate and activate the highest caliber professionals in America’s schools. Under his leadership, the Milken National Educator Awards have become the largest teacher recognition program in the U.S.
Throughout October, 100 unsuspecting K-12 teachers, principals and specialists across the country are being surprised with the news of their no-strings-attached cash awards during emotional assemblies attended by students, peers and community leaders.
“I expect nothing less than the very best from our students,” said Mr. Whittington at the surprise presentation. “This community is where I’m needed the most. Especially in elementary schools, you need strong male role models for boys as well as girls.”
“Teachers have the most important job in our country today,” Lowell Milken told the students at Longfields, adding that society does not do enough to celebrate outstanding educators the way it does movie stars and sports figures. “This Award says that if you’re great in education, you can be honored too.”
Unlike most teaching accolades, the Milken National Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Educators are considered for this prestigious honor without their knowledge by a blue ribbon panel appointed by each state’s department of education.
“You don’t find us … we find you,” said Milken.
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