Spotlight: Derek Tharp (AR '24)

Arkansas Milken Educator Derek Tharp (AR ‘24) was a Southside Middle School math teacher when he received his Milken Award. This fall, he will be assistant principal at Southside Elementary School. In his role as a Southside Middle school math teacher, he went above and beyond to ensure student success, providing support before school, after school, and even during lunch. Tharp leads by example, empowering students and fellow educators to reach their full potential. Tharp received an Arkansas Milken Educator Award on January 9, 2025.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

The day I received the Milken Educator Award is one I will never forget. It was already a bit unusual.Arkansas was experiencing a rare winter weather event, and as any local knows, even a hint of snow can turn a typical school day upside down. My colleagues and I were focused on planning for a potential early dismissal when we were told the special assembly would proceed as scheduled, despite the weather.

As we made our way to the gymnasium, something felt different. The setup was more formal than usual, and it quickly became clear this was no ordinary school gathering. In attendance were not only school and district leaders, but also prominent figures from the community and state, seated in what appeared to be places of honor. That definitely sparked some curiosity among myself, my students and my colleagues. 

When [National Institute for Excellence in Teaching CEO] Dr. Josh Barnett took the microphone and introduced himself, he began by speaking about NIET and the value of excellence in education. I began to think we were there to celebrate a meaningful schoolwide accomplishment. After all, I work in an incredible school district alongside many passionate and talented educators. I was excited to hear about the honor to be given to our school. Then, Dr. Barnett began to speak about the Milken Foundation and the Milken Educator Award. It became clear that this recognition was not for a school achievement, but for an individual educator within our school. I immediately began to consider several of my amazing colleagues; any one of them would have been a deserving recipient.

When Dr. Barnett called my name as the recipient of the 2024 Milken Educator Award, I was in complete disbelief. The gym erupted into cheers, and I could feel every eye turn toward me. I remember seeing my students’ smiling faces, and in that moment, I was humbled by an overwhelming feeling of joy and gratitude. Everything that followed felt like a blur. It was like I was caught in a dream I never expected.

Though I can’t recall every word I said or every detail of that day, I do know this: receiving the Milken Educator Award was one of the most humbling and meaningful experiences of my life. I still struggle to believe I’m deserving of such an extraordinary honor, but I am committed to living up to it. I will continue growing, serving and striving to be the kind of educator worthy of this recognition. This honor will remain with me always as a reminder of the immeasurable impact that educators have on the lives of our students every single day.

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

I believe my students were just as surprised as I was when my name was announced. The genuine love and exuberance on their faces is something I will never forget. In many ways, their reaction was the most meaningful part of the entire experience.

Perhaps the best moment of the day came after the assembly, when I was able to return to my classroom and be with my students. The energy in the room was electric—we couldn’t stop smiling. We embraced one another in a full-class hug, and I felt the purest expression of connection, pride and joy. It was a reminder of why I do what I do.

One of my favorite photographs from that day captured the moment my name was announced. A few of my students happened to be in the frame with me, and the expressions on their faces say everything:joy, pride and genuine excitement. That photo is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It beautifully represents the bond we share and the incredible privilege it is to teach them every day.

MFF: What made you want to pursue a career in education?

I believe that education, like many other professions, is one to which individuals are both equipped and called by God to serve others with purpose and compassion. From a young age, I felt a deep love for school. The opportunity to spend each day learning and growing alongside my peers brought me great joy. I now recognize that this passion for education was a gift from God, nurtured by the influence of exceptional teachers in my family, church and school. 

Among these educators, my mother stands out as the most significant. She faithfully served for many years as a public school teacher, and to me, she was also a personal mentor—in the classroom, at home, and within our church. She embodied the love of Jesus Christ in her words and actions, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of her students. Her compassion extended to all, especially those who faced some tough life challenges, and she became a mother figure to many who lacked such an example in their own homes. Witnessing her devotion and seeing the way she allowed Christ’s light to shine through her made a profound impression on my life.

As I began to seek God’s direction for my own career path, I felt an undeniable pull toward the field of education. I realized that the same passion for learning and the desire to serve others had been instilled in me by God. I am confident that He has called me into this profession not only to teach academic content, but also to reflect His love and truth in my interactions with my students and colleagues. My prayer is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve, just as my mother and other dedicated educators have done for me.

MFF: What led you to return to the classroom after serving in administrative roles, and how has that experience influenced your teaching?

The classroom is a truly remarkable place. It is within this environment that meaningful relationships—between teacher and student, and among students themselves—are formed and nurtured in ways that can have lifelong impact. My time in the classroom has offered me invaluable opportunities to connect with students on a personal level, allowing me to better understand their individual needs, interests and aspirations. These daily interactions remind me that teaching is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about investing in the whole child. Having the privilege to pour into the lives of my students each day keeps me grounded in the importance of continual, personal and professional growth. The awareness that I am helping to shape the hearts and minds of future generations motivates me to be the best teacher, the best person, I can be.

My experience in educational administration broadened this perspective even further. It helped me recognize the immense value of each classroom, each teacher and each student. Together, we form a vibrant and diverse educational community—a family— with immeasurable potential for growth and success. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this calling and to contribute to a mission that extends far beyond academic achievement.

In the upcoming school year, I will be stepping back into an administrative role. Serving as the assistant principal for Southside Elementary School, I hope to communicate the significance of the classroom to everyone in my building. 

MFF: How do you meet students’ individual needs while still driving strong academic results?

I believe that the foundation of student success lies in strong, meaningful student-teacher relationships. My greatest desire is for every one of my students to know that they are deeply loved, valued and supported, and that I will do whatever it takes to help them grow.

From the very first moment my students step into my classroom, I strive to create a culture representative of care, consistency and mutual respect. I want each student to feel valued and to understand that their interests, experiences, strengths and challenges all matter to me. Through daily conversations that affirm and encourage, I aim to build trust and connection that provides the foundation for our learning. 

Alongside this culture of care, I also establish and maintain high expectations for every student. I truly believe that all students are capable of achieving growth,often far beyond what they initially believe is possible. While each learner brings unique needs, backgrounds and preferences, one thing remains the same: when the learning gets tough, we get tougher. In our classroom, giving up or putting forth minimal effort is simply not an option. My students matter too much to me to allow them to settle for less than their best.

We face challenges together and we celebrate victories together. Over time, we transform from a group of individuals into a classroom family. By the end of the year, we have built a community where every student knows they belong, they are capable, and they are deeply cared for.

MFF: What’s one thing you hope students remember from their time in your classroom?

The most important truth I hope every student takes away from their time in my classroom is this: they are deeply loved and inherently valued. I believe each child is uniquely created by God, with a purpose that is meaningful and significant. It is my prayer that, through both my words and actions, my students come to understand not only God’s unwavering love for them, but also the love and respect I have for each of them as individuals.

Over the years, I’ve often reminded my students that while they may not remember every academic lesson or skill I’ve taught them, and that’s okay, what truly matters is that they never forget their worth. My greatest hope is that my students leave my classroom knowing they are loved, that they matter, and that their lives have purpose.

When students understand this truth about themselves and begin to see that same value in others, it empowers them to strive for the best version of who they are. It inspires compassion, resilience, and purpose-driven living. If we all commit to living and loving in this way, I believe we can help make the world a kinder, more hopeful place.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

With the beginning of the new academic year, I’m excited to share that I will be transitioning into a new role within my school district. I have been given the opportunity to serve as the assistant principal at Southside Elementary School. This change brings with it many new experiences. A different campus, a new team of faculty and staff, and a new group of students and families. While this change will be both exciting and challenging, I am truly looking forward to this next chapter. I believe wholeheartedly that this door has been opened by God, and I’m eager to step into it with faith and purpose. My prayer is that in this new leadership role, I will honor and glorify His Name as I support and serve the Southside Elementary community. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to all that lies ahead.