On her desk, Lindsay Murray (VA '16) keeps a silver bell—a cherished childhood gift from her aunt, an elementary school teacher and Lindsay's professional inspiration. "It reminds me that with hard work and dedication you can make all your dreams come true," says Lindsay.
Spanish teacher Vanessa Torres (SC '16) says her Milken Educator Award raised the value of language learning in her school and district: "There is no doubt that others see the significance of what I do."
Recent shifts in policies and attitudes toward immigrants have Gina Benz's students on edge. Her antidote to uncertainty: encouraging students to share their powerful stories.
Lindsay Frevert (NJ '16) only spends 183 days with her second-graders, but they're stuck with her forever. She cheers from the sidelines at their sporting events, attends their graduations and tracks their progress closely through college and beyond: "I know I am successful when my students grow up to be independent and successful citizens."
How do educators grow into leaders? Milken Educator Lauren Jensen (NY '15) shares what she's learned about challenging the status quo, taking risks, building relationships and embracing unexpected opportunities.
Third-grade teacher Catherine Randall (LA ’16) wants her students to remember that she loved them, believed in them and helped them believe in themselves: "They'll remember how they felt in my class."
Fourth-grade teacher Amanda Robertson (NC ’16) reminds herself daily that kids are a work in progress: "Every day is a new day to start fresh."
Kara Davis (AR ’16), the first in her family to go to college, shares her own family's working-class background to remind her fourth-graders that school holds the key to their futures: "Education is a way to achieve their dreams."
What's the best way to attract and retain new teachers? Honor their hard work, showcase student growth and celebrate educators' impact on young lives, says TAP Master Teacher Aimee Schade (IN '16).
Principal Devon Willis-Jones (LA '16) motivates her teachers by reminding them that their students are tomorrow's leaders: "Give them your best so they can have a successful future."
