Sarah Szymanski (CO ’18) was inspired to become an educator after watching her mother, a sixth-grade teacher, develop lasting relationships: “I realized that as a teacher you can effect change on a daily basis and become a lifelong figure in the lives of your students.”
Thoughtful words from a student can brighten any educator's day.
As a first-year teacher, Linda Dishman (KS ’12) wanted everything to be perfect in her classroom. She quickly realized that her students didn’t care about perfection: “They loved learning and being at school.”
Kindergarten teacher Shelly Gaughan (TN ’18) never thought about becoming an educator until she spent a week teaching ancient civilizations to sixth-graders as part of a high school career discovery program: “I found myself intrigued with the challenge of making this content relevant and exciting.”
Katherine Bobby (PA '18) says her surprise Milken Educator Award notification has had a lasting impact on the way her students: “Without a doubt, the Award has heightened their appreciation of and respect for the teaching profession.”
Caroline Eschenbach (VA ’18) makes sure her third-graders know that they are a big part of her Milken Educator Award: “Teaching students who are passionate about learning makes me a passionate teacher.”
Librarian Jennifer Gordon (MA ’18) knows her enthusiasm for reading is contagious: “When I love a book, my students almost always end up loving it too.”
Classroom management is no easy feat with five- and six-year-olds, but kindergarten teacher Hailey Couch (OK ’18) is a master. Her secret: “If my students know that I love them and respect them, chances are they will give me the exact same respect in return.”
Michelle Johnson (RI ’18) loves hearing her third-grade English language learners (ELLs) testing their new language skills, “whether it’s asking to use the bathroom or for a new pencil.”
What's the best way to close the achievement gap and prepare students for high-paying jobs? Dr. Cindy Moss (NC ’01) says STEM education is the answer.
