National award comes as surprise for teacher
Published: November 14, 2005
Atherton High School teacher Diane MacKenzie thought she was filing into its packed auditorium for a celebration of rising test scores.
But the native of Guatemala was soon hugging students and co-workers after learning that it was all for her _ and that she had won a prestigious teaching award that comes with $25,000. [What makes a good teacher?
“I’m in shock,” she said after receiving the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award earlier this month. “I had no idea.”
MacKenzie, 41, has been a Spanish teacher for 16 years. Students say she draws them into lessons with an engaging teaching style and rich cultural context that make learning a language interesting and relevant.
In her classroom, salsa music and Latin American food are common. Outside, a sign-up sheet for a trip to Spain is crammed with names of students inspired to experience a foreign culture.
“She’s always talking to us one on one,” said Ashley Anderson, a junior.
The California-based Milken Family Foundation has given the awards to more than 2,000 outstanding educators. Since 1993, 46 Kentucky teachers have won it. This year, 100 will be selected nationwide.
“This is the most important job in America, and teachers do not get enough recognition,” said Richard Sandler, vice president for the foundation, who presented the award before cheering students.
Winners can spend the money any way they like. MacKenzie said she may spend part on ongoing teacher education or student projects.
Also present were state Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit and Education Secretary Virginia Fox, who said outstanding teachers are the most important factor in a child’s education.
MacKenzie was born in Guatemala City and taught there before coming to the United States about 16 years ago.
She has received several other awards and a Fulbright Scholarship, and her “passion for teaching is evident in everything she does,” said principal John Hudson, who nominated her.
She teaches as part of the school’s international baccalaureate program, a higher-level educational effort, and is chair of Atherton’s language department.
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