Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Milken Educator Awards take two California teachers by surprise | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times


Milken Educator Awards take two California teachers by surprise L.A. NOW Los Angeles Times:

"Even as she heard cheers explode from students assembled at Richardson Prep Hi Middle School in San Bernardino, the fourth and final California recipient of this year’s Milken Educator Award couldn’t believe she was the winner.

“I really thought it was going to go to a coworker,” said 7th grade English teacher Marisa Rivas, still recovering. “There are people who have worked here since 1987, so I feel like I’m unworthy.”

Complete with a giant, no-strings-attached $25,000 check, the award is not a lifetime achievement award, said Lowell Milken, chair of the Milken Family Foundation. The prize, which will go to 54 educators across the nation this year, is meant to encourage early- and mid-career teaching professionals -- and alleviate some of the financial issues that come with the calling.

The other California winners were Roberto Gonzalez of Virgil Middle School, Ana Higuera of Lynwood High School and San Diego teacher Jaime Enochs."