Inspired by the MEA Forum, Milken Educators Head Back to School
July 30, 2026
Milken Educators Leading the Way: At the 2026 Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., the 2025–26 class of Milken Educators joined veteran members of the Milken Educator Network for several days of connection, collaboration, and professional learning. Together, they celebrated their achievements while engaging in inspiring presentations and meaningful discussions centered on advancing teacher leadership, empowering educators, and strengthening the profession. Read their key moments, insights, and takeaways that they will carry with them throughout the school year ahead.
See photos from the 2026 MEA Forum: Sessions | 2026 Portraits | Red Carpet | Veteran Milken Educator Portraits
The Milken Educator Awards Forum was an experience I will never forget. Being able to spend time with the new Milken Educators, veteran Milken Educators, and Foundation leaders was the best! I learned so much during the sessions, but even more than that, I got to connect with educators like me. I could feel everyone’s passion for education and their belief that, no matter what role we currently serve in, we all want to make a difference for kids. Being part of those conversations reminded me that we are not alone in this work. I left Washington, D.C., not only inspired but also grateful and even more committed to serving my school community ‘10% bolder’ than when I arrived.
After the Milken Educator Awards Forum, I left feeling renewed and motivated as an educator. I felt on fire with inspiration after being surrounded by educators who are equally passionate about their commitment to their school communities and furthering the field of education. I am bringing this energy and support from the other Milken Educators back to my home state to create meaningful change for our students.
The Milken Educator Awards Forum was an experience like no other. It is hard to put into words the impact it had on me because saying it was ‘inspiring’ does not seem to do it justice. Imagine walking into a place where everyone shares the same purpose: ensuring students are successful. Everywhere you turn, people are cheering each other on, sharing ideas, answering questions, and partnering together to create meaningful change. Listening to educators from across the country share how they are leading change challenged the way I think about my own work. Hearing the ideas and experiences of others expanded what I believed was possible and gave me new ways to think about creating lasting change.
The Forum has motivated me to be ‘10% bolder’ by stepping outside the spaces where I feel comfortable and intentionally pursuing opportunities that challenge me to grow. Growth is not found in staying where things feel safe. Our students teach us something new every day, and they deserve educators who are willing to keep learning, keep improving, and keep advocating for them.
I will carry with me the belief that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we are willing to dream bigger and work alongside others who share the same mission. The Milken Educator Network has shown me the power of having a community of leaders who are willing to encourage, challenge, and support one another.
The 2026 Milken Educator Awards Forum was an inspiring, empowering, and exceptionally well-planned experience. It was an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by exceptional educators from across the country who are committed to doing what is best for kids every single day. Instead of competition, I found collaboration. Instead of gatekeeping, I found people who were eager to share ideas, celebrate successes, and learn from one another. Although we had just met, it truly felt like a family reunion because we shared the same passion, purpose, and commitment to making a difference for students.
The Forum challenged me to think beyond the impact I have within my own classroom. Being ‘10% bolder’ means saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that allow me to serve others, share my experiences, and continue growing as a leader. Beginning this school year, I have accepted the role of Beginning Teacher Coordinator at my school. While continuing to teach fourth grade, I will also facilitate monthly professional learning sessions and mentor beginning teachers as they navigate the early years of their teaching careers.
As I move forward, I want to continue growing as an educator while helping others grow alongside me. One guiding principle I want beginning teachers to reflect on comes from Principal Baruti Kafele (NJ ‘09): “Are my students at an advantage because I am their teacher?” I believe this question should guide every educator’s daily practice and professional growth. As Principal Kafele reminded us at the Forum, one educator can change the trajectory of a child’s life. My hope is to help cultivate educators who intentionally choose to be that positive influence so every student leaves their classroom better because they were there.
From the moment I arrived at the Milken Educator Awards Forum, I began meeting the faces I had seen on social media. To my surprise, they were just like me—nervous and a little unsure whether they truly belonged in this elite group. Although we were initially a bit shy with one another, the veteran recipients immediately welcomed us and reassured us that this weekend would become a core memory we would never forget. During the opening video compilation of everyone’s Award notifications, I felt embarrassed when I started to cry. Then I looked around and realized we were all crying. In that moment, I understood that we were all in the same boat and had far more in common than I had imagined.
The Forum was a whirlwind of connection, learning, and inspiration. It challenged us to do more and to be ‘10% bolder.’ One comment that resonated with me most came from John Melandro (NY ’24), who shared that being hopeful and motivated to create change is often a lonely endeavor. What made the Forum so special was being surrounded by people who are just as hopeful and motivated as I am. It felt like a warm hug to be immersed in so much positivity, passion, and determination to make our schools better. Another deeply meaningful part of the weekend was Lowell Milken’s presence and unwavering commitment to this program and to our futures. He was a constant presence throughout the Forum, making a point to connect with us, listen to our stories, and encourage our work. His genuine belief in each of us was evident, and that meant more than I can express.
Nothing could have prepared me for the Forum, but I left on a high that I am still riding. I am so grateful to have been part of such an incredible weekend and to now be part of this remarkable community of educators.
On key Forum takeaways: “The entire Forum was incredible, but what stood out most was the shared heartbeat of our cohort. Being surrounded by educators who match your passion to love, give hope, educate, and mentor the next generation of leaders was deeply validating and inspiring. Also, the Milken Center for the American Dream was simply amazing!”
On becoming “10% bolder”: “To be ‘10% bolder,’ I am committing to greater intentionality. Instead of spreading myself thin across every task, I am focusing my energy where it creates the deepest, most meaningful impact for our school community.”
On applying new learning for this school year: “The concept of ‘the Power of the Pin’ resonated profoundly with me. It serves as a daily reminder that we hold purpose, that we have agency over our direction, and that the American Dream is ultimately what we make it through our dedication and vision. I will also continue to make students feel they belong, which fosters a positive school climate!”
Two words that immediately stick out to me as I reflect on my experience from the Milken Educator Awards Forum are positivity and passion. There was a constant sense of positivity and passion radiating among everyone in attendance. It was evident that everyone was genuinely proud of each other and eager to serve as a resource to support one another. I feel blessed to have an entire network to lean on and cheer on, better known as my Milken family.
On a favorite Forum memory: “My favorite memory of the Milken Educator Awards Forum in D.C. was being able to connect with all the amazing educators from across the country who all have the same purpose—to do what is best for kids. The time we were allowed to collaborate, learn from one another, and share ideas was something I’ll always remember.”
On becoming “10% bolder”: “To be ‘10% bolder’ is to be intentional about saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that match my passions and will continue to stretch and grow me as a leader.”
On applying new learning for this school year: “I will continue developing systems that build on the leadership capacity of others. One person will never be enough, but a team full of empowered educators who want to lead, collaborate, problem-solve, and innovate together will be.”
I feel fortunate to be a part of this community that the Milken Family Foundation has helped build, grow, and shape. While at the Milken Educator Awards Forum, more than once I had to just stop, look around, and say to myself, ‘I really can’t believe this is my life.’ To have this opportunity to connect with such wonderful people—even beyond their excellence as educators—and be treated to the wonders of D.C. truly left me in disbelief.
It’s often said at the Forum that this Award can change your life. That feeling has happened exponentially more as the years from my notification grow and I know that at the micro and macro level I have the Milken Family Foundation and Milken Educator Network to thank for that.
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