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."
If someone handed Emily Caldarelli (RI '16) a million dollars, she'd use it to help her students give back: "Service learning is a great way to grow empathetic, involved citizens."
Watching first-grade teacher Manny Zaldivar (CT '16) receive the Milken Educator Award lit a fire under a new generation of aspiring educators in Connecticut.
History teacher John Lary (LA '15) offers three pieces of advice for new educators: Exude passion, communicate your "why," and strive to be better every day.
Jayda Pugliese (PA '16) hopes her fifth-graders always remember that it's okay to fail: "Failing shows you that you still have more to learn."
Social skills, developmentally appropriate play, an academic foundation, and a more level playing field: Principal Stephanie Conklin (KS '16) believes universal preschool and full-day kindergarten can help close the achievement gap.
What does Jennie Schmaltz (CO '16) like most about working with third, fourth and fifth graders? Watching their world view expand past their parents, teacher and friends.
Milken Educator Justin Minkel (AR '06) says children need teachers more than ever after the recent presidential election.
Milken Educator Jim Haas (KS '93) argues that liberal arts education is essential to good citizenship—and should start before college.
How are teachers helping students make sense of the divisive presidential campaign and our Election Day surprise? Two Milken Educators weigh in.
