Reactions and Takeaways from the 2025 MEA Forum
April 30, 2025
3,000 Strong and Making an Impact: The 2025 Milken Educator Awards Forum marked a significant Milken milestone—honoring our 3,000th Award recipient during the 2024-25 season. This year’s theme celebrated that achievement while inspiring the newest Milken Educators to envision bold leadership in their schools and communities. On April 2 and 3, the class of 2024 gathered alongside veteran Milken Educators and Milken Family Foundation staff for two days of learning, connection and inspiration. We asked attendees to reflect on their experience—what resonated most, what insights they gained, and how the Forum empowered them to elevate their voices. Here’s what they had to say.
See photos from the 2025 MEA Forum: Sessions | 2025 Portraits | Red Carpet | Veteran Milken Educator Portraits
The MEA Forum was a life-changing experience. The energy and positivity in the room were palpable and to be surrounded by so many inspiring educators was a gift. Everyone was so kind and eager to celebrate each other’s wins. The MEA team made everyone feel so seen, and organized the forum perfectly. Walking out of the conference room on the last day was difficult. The “Power of The Pin” that we were continually reminded of made it possible to step back into our day-to-day roles, ready to be 10% bolder.
The 2025 MEA Forum was a powerful experience! The Milken community is so inviting, caring, and truly wants to see all of those a part of it succeed and become the best possible educators they can become.
The Forum helped me recognize that nothing is out of reach in regard to what I am able to achieve and become in the profession. However, one thing that truly stuck with me is that for our students to become all that we desire them to be, we need teachers to be at their best—and we can help them get there!
We are not in the education profession just for ourselves and the students in our classrooms. WE have the POWER to make an impact on students across the nation by developing other teachers and helping them find success in their own classrooms. When they find success, their students will follow! That is the POWER OF THE PIN. Our voice matters, our voice carries, and our voice has the power to make a difference!
My experience at the Milken Educator Awards Forum was incredible. I found the opportunity to learn alongside some of the most effective educators in the nation both humbling and inspiring. Their commitment to excellence and advocacy for public education was exciting.
The Milken Educator Award gives me permission to take risks, be bold, embrace new ideas and push boundaries.I will use this experience to step outside my comfort zone and pursue initiatives that once seemed daunting.
The most important takeaway, however, is that my voice matters. I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to not only support my students in the classroom, but to also further advocate for systemic changes that ensure ALL students have access to a quality educational experience.
The Milken Educator Awards Forum inspires me to lead with confidence, innovate with courage, and to always remember that as an educator I can be a catalyst for change.
I’ve never had a professional experience like the Milken Educator Awards Forum in all my years of teaching. It was incredible to be surrounded by the nation’s best educators, current and past. Everyone I talked to was genuinely happy that I was there. It was a space where they were open to your ideas and what you had to say. I was able to network with people from across the nation, all doing amazing things for education in their respective states.
One key takeaway that I’m excited to bring back to school was teacher coaching. In my district, and across the state, teacher turnover is a concern. I gathered ideas and resources to address this concern in my school. I received strategies to implement immediately and I’m excited to use my voice. Being a Milken Educator, I now have a voice to address areas that will improve the success of teachers and students on a larger scale. I’m excited to use this platform to impact the areas of education I feel most passionate about.
I learned what drives my “why,” and what receiving this Award could do for me in my future in education. They encouraged us to use the “Power of the Pin” and to be just 10% bolder. It was so empowering to know that the things I felt most passionate about in education are achievable with the resources and connections I received at this Forum.
-As told to The Morning Sun.
Attending the 2025 Milken Educator Awards Forum was one of the most inspiring and empowering experiences of my life! From the moment I walked up to the registration counter the first evening until the moment we said our goodbyes on the final day, everyone was so genuine and intentional in every interaction. I was inspired by the many veteran Milken Educators in attendance. Hearing their stories ignited a new passion in me and has encouraged me to explore ways in which I can expand my impact beyond my learners, my colleagues, my school, and even my entire state. This is our opportunity to change the world; our time is now!
I spent my entire career thus far running from the teacher’s lounge, where you lose your soul one lunch period at a time. For years, I had wondered where the opposite of a teacher’s lounge might be, and I found that answer in the 2025 MEA Forum conference room. My debt to the Milken team, speakers, veterans and my fellow class may very well outlive time itself. There was certainly magic in that room—one of promise, one of purpose. That magic is something I have always tried to bring to my classroom. It was incredible to be on the receiving end. The pleasure, the privilege, was all mine.
Since the 2025 MEA Forum, I’ve felt so inspired by the Milken Class of 2024 and the push to be 10% bolder. Marcus Ross (ID ‘24) and I created a Facebook group to keep our class connected—something I had never done before—and it’s been such a fun, positive experience.
The Forum also motivated me to better support preservice teachers, especially after hearing from Wade Whitehead (VA ‘00) and Dr. Gary Stark (AR ‘01). In that spirit, I advocated for a former student working on campus to unofficially student-teach with me. Over the past few weeks, she has led ASL 1 lessons and is thriving. It’s been exciting to help launch her teaching journey.
Attending the Milken Educator Awards Forum was a transformative experience! From the moment I got there, I felt surrounded by positive energy, ambition and genuine support.
As the days unfolded, I found myself part of conversations that challenged the limits of what I believed was possible. The Forum didn’t just present new ideas—it ignited something in me. I walked away with a network of people who not only understand my aspirations, but are also actively encouraging them. That kind of support is rare and powerful.
More than anything, the Forum reinforced a truth that now sits at the core of my mindset: No dream is too big. Seeing people who were once in my shoes now leading change on a national and global scale showed me that vision, when paired with community and courage, can break barriers and create real impact. This Forum didn’t end when I left L.A. It continues in the collaborations, mentorship and purpose-driven connections that were born there. I’m excited, empowered and deeply grateful.
It was a very exciting experience to be in that moment [at the 2025 Forum] and think about everything that I’ve done and all the hard work I’ve put in, the hours, the commitment to my school and my students and my staff. It was cool to know it was all worth it.
-As told to the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Jenna Stewart (KY '24)
From the moment the Forum began, I was met with an outpouring of energy, positivity and warmth. It felt like everyone already knew me, even though I had just arrived. Stories were shared, achievements celebrated, and wisdom generously passed from one educator to another. Still, throughout that first day, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I met so many extraordinary people, yet I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that I didn’t belong. I kept wondering how I had earned a seat in that room.
But by the end of the Forum, something shifted. I left feeling encouraged, inspired, connected, and empowered. A spark was reignited. I was reminded of the profound importance of our work as educators and of the impact I make in the lives of others, no matter how big or small. My “why” was reaffirmed, and I felt more certain than ever that I’m exactly where I am meant to be.
The idea of being 10% bolder, though, is what’s staying with me the most. It’s sparked new questions: What can I do to keep shaping young minds while also influencing the broader field of education? What more can I do? What do I want my future to look like,and how will I get there? For now, I’m holding on to the call to celebrate, elevate and activate. And I am staying in my lane—with purpose, passion, and boldness.
Not long after the Forum started, I was so encouraged at how much energy and excitement there was. I was so moved throughout the three days and I was so sad when it was over. I never imagined that this type of positive excitement existed about education. I am so thankful that Mr. Milken has the heart to change education for the positive. I am trying to be 10% bolder by following a saying that Mr. Kafele (NJ ‘09) said: “Are my students at an advantage because I am their teacher?” I am trying to get that mindset to spread like wildfire in my district.
The 2025 Forum was absolutely remarkable and inspiring, and I simply cannot express enough my appreciation for the opportunity to be in the presence of such influential, uplifting, impactful, and motivating educators. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of using our voices as Milken Educators. We need to advocate for the betterment of public education, as its future relies on our efforts. Dr. Jane Foley (IN ‘94) emphasized at the Forum, “Don't let go.” New Milken family, hold on tight. Never let go! We are so grateful you have joined our Milken family and network, and truly cannot wait to see all that you further do and accomplish. And if you’re still asking, “Why me?,” remember, “Why not me?” Use the Power of the Pin, and continue to change the world!
The field of education currently needs more positive talk and celebration. The world needs you! Be the light and celebrate all the good in education. Celebrate yourselves, your colleagues, your families and your students.
Since returning home from the Forum, I have committed to being 10% bolder every day. My MFF Dr. Angie Besendorfer (MO ‘96) reminded me at the Forum that all it takes is being 10% bolder every day and that resonated with me. I have been asking important questions and having crucial conversations. I feel as if a fire was lit within me after the Forum and I am ready to continue to use my Pin and my voice. Thank you all for continuing to inspire me daily. I am ready to “Take the moment and turn it into momentum.” Thank you, Dr. Nader Twal (CA ‘03), for sharing that impactful comment with us!
Cindy Moss (NC ‘01)
As a veteran Milken Educator attending the 2025 Forum, I always leave inspired and hopeful. The new class has so much talent, drive, focus and vision that I know good things are happening in education. It also leaves me with more focus to serve as a facilitator to encourage them to dream big and be 10% bolder. Any time you get Milken Educators together, good things happen!
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