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."
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."
