Articles
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Spotlight: Paige Leddy (RI '23)
September 27, 2024Rhode Island Milken Educator Paige Leddy is a K-4 reading specialist at Richmond Elementary School. She leads with a growth mindset, using formative phonics assessments and student data to ensure students are on track. "We have such an important job. We have children who will be the next generation in our classroom every day, and we get to teach them how to explore the world and help them grow to become kind and respectful citizens."
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Spotlight: Juan Dominguez (TX '23)
September 25, 2024Texas Milken Educator Juan Dominguez is a master teacher at SSGT Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary. He focuses on relationship building and service to inspire both teachers and students. Dominguez firmly believes that everyone can reach their potential. “Kids need people that really care about them. In this profession anything is possible. What I love the most about it is that you can be a kid again.”
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Spotlight: Ashley Dunne (CT '23)
September 19, 2024Connecticut Milken Educator Ashley Dunne is a music teacher for grades K-5 at Gainfield Elementary School. Dunne collaborates with colleagues to connect music to what her students are learning in their math and history classes. Dunne hopes all of her students feel like they belong in her classroom. "Having a creative outlet and a place where students can be themselves is crucial to creating inclusive and welcoming schools."
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Spotlight: Grant Hegstad (IA '23)
September 17, 2024Iowa Milken Educator Grant Hegstad is an assistant principal and extended career experiences coordinator at MOC-Floyd Valley High School. Hegstad directs the school’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies which has quadrupled in size over the past year. The program helps students gain on-the-job training, real-world experiences, and secure job offers post-graduation. Hegstad cares about the longevity of his students both professionally and personally. "Educators have the privilege of investing in students during a crucial stage of their development and growth. This opportunity to shape young minds and future leaders is both a tremendous blessing and a large responsibility."
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Spotlight: Comfort Agboola (IL '23)
September 12, 2024Illinois Milken Educator Comfort Agboola is a reading, English language arts and math teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. She has a passion for student development, writing, and storytelling. Agboola gives students a plethora of opportunities to learn creatively, from having a specified publishing area in her classroom with typewriters, to hosting open mics for students to share their stories. Agboola also teaches financial literacy using a classroom economy system, where students earn and manage their own tokens by doing classroom jobs, filing taxes, and balancing checkbooks.
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Spotlight: Ashley Meyer (AZ '23)
September 11, 2024Arizona Milken Educator Ashley Meyer, a first and second grade mentor teacher, plays a vital role in children’s early development. She utilizes small groups to implement hands-on projects that students can apply to their everyday lives. Meyer comes from a family of educators and role models that influenced her love for teaching, mentorship, and students. “I hope students remember that they had a fun place to learn and were loved and comfortable during their time with me.”
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Spotlight: Marissa McCarthy (OH '23)
September 6, 2024Ohio Milken Educator Marissa McCarthy utilizes project-based learning to make math meaningful to her students and draws experience from working as a math and science tutor in high school. She joined the Future of Educators of America club, where she found a mentor in her sixth grade teacher. Today, her students benefit from a "thinking classroom” and grow more resilient, collaborative and understanding each day. “I hope my students remember that I love them and that I was passionate about what I taught them. I want them to know and fully believe everyone can learn math.”
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Spotlight: Meghan Menchella (MO '23)
September 5, 2024As a newly minted Missouri Milken Award winner, social studies teacher Meghan Menchella plans to further her studies with an educational specialist degree in K-12 educational leadership and administration. Meghan attributes her success to role models like her high school AP European History teacher who saw her potential for leadership. Now in her own history classes, she encourages students to be community leaders that think critically and demonstrate curiosity. “At the end of the day, I hope students remember my class with fondness. Of course, I care that they learn social studies and learn to become a civic-minded citizen, but I hope my impact on them is much greater than that.”
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Spotlight: Ashley Wilkins (WV '23)
August 29, 2024West Virginia Milken Educator Ashley Wilkins sets high expectations for her English language arts students. Role models like her AP English Language teacher, Michelle Wolfe (WV '21), inspired her to become an educator. Now, she implements the same standards that reinforced her ability to connect with literature in her own classroom. “I hope my students remember that because I loved them, my expectations for them were much higher than what they had for themselves.”
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Spotlight: Ainsley VanBuskirk (NC '23)
August 27, 2024North Carolina Milken Educator Ainsley VanBuskirk is a lifelong learner committed to challenging herself and trying new things. Previously a shy and reserved student, she understands the hesitancy and fear that comes with classroom participation. Now, she empowers her first graders to explore new concepts by creating an environment where they feel safe to do so. "I hope that my students remember to always believe that they can accomplish anything — the sky is the limit."