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Salem, Oregon Teacher Surprised with Milken Educator Award and $25,000 Cash

The 2014 “Oscar of Teaching” Oregon Recipient Teaches in
One of the Most Challenged Schools in Oregon

December 11, 2014

SANTA MONICA, CA—First grade teacher Julie Cleave won the prestigious 2014 Milken Educator Award for the state of Oregon and $25,000 during a morning assembly at Hallman Elementary School in Salem Thursday.

Cleave, who teaches in one of the most challenged schools in Oregon, works tirelessly to provide the stability and creativity that her students need to get their young lives off to the best possible start. Seventy-four percent of Hallman students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and difficulties such as poverty, homelessness or an incarcerated parent are not uncommon. But Cleave is not deterred and meets children where they are, academically and developmentally. She helps them to exceed all expectations whether they have special needs, are English Language Learners, or just need an academic boost.

Along with the recognition typically bestowed to recipients, Cleave now belongs to a network of more than 2,600 K–12 teachers, principals and specialists from around the country. During an assembly at the school today, Cleave was presented her award by Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a Milken recipient herself, and Deputy State Superintendent Rob Saxton.

“It is my great pleasure to join with the Milken Family Foundation in honoring Julie Cleave for her incredible passion and commitment to education in our state,” said Saxton. “Julie believes that all of her students—regardless of race, home language, or family income—are capable of great things. She has chosen to work where she believes she can make the most difference in students’ lives. I would like to congratulate Julie on this incredible and well-deserved, honor.”

Cleave is one of up to 40 recipients across the country this school year who will be receiving the honor during the 2014–15 season and the only one in Oregon. The Milken Award recognizes exemplary elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. The award comes with an unrestricted financial prize of $25,000.

“Cleave is recognized as a leader who helps create an atmosphere of success for everyone in the building," said Foley. "She is a sought-after mentor and valued for her ability to be kind and fair when making decisions or giving counsel. She is a valuable person to join our network of Milken Educators.”

Although students often enter her class performing below grade-level, by the end of the school year most are reading and doing math at their proper grade level. This sets them on a path of ongoing success and gives them confidence that they can learn and achieve.

Cleave goes above and beyond in other ways, too. When she noticed that many girls in her school were struggling with self-esteem issues, she organized Girls on the Run, a program to build self-esteem and a commitment to exercise. Literally going the extra mile, Cleave trained to do a 5K with them. She paired each child with a “buddy” and coordinated volunteers and donations of running shoes and clothes.

After serving as an instructional coach for a time, Cleave elected to return to the classroom because she missed interactions with students—and her students are glad that she did.

Alternating yearly between elementary and secondary educators, the Awards are sourced through each participating state department of education, which appoints an independent blue ribbon committee to confidentially review candidates for recommendation to MFF.

Past recipients have used their Awards to finance their children’s education or their own continuing education. Others have financed dream field trips, established scholarships and even funded the adoption of children.

Oregon joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1990 and there have been 76 recipients since the program began there.

To get regular updates on notifications, follow the #TeachForTheStars and #MilkenAward hashtags on Twitter and Instagram.

For information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/newsroom/media-kit or call MFF at (310) 570-4775.  Like the Awards at www.facebook.com/milkeneducatorawards, follow us at www.twitter.com/milken, watch the reaction videos at www.youtube.com/milkenaward and find us on http://instagram.com/milkenfamilyfdn.

The Milken Educator Awards program, created by the Milken Family Foundation, was launched in 1987. The Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.

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