Articles
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Spotlight: Jenna Stewart (KY '24)
June 27, 2025Kentucky Milken Educator Jenna Stewart (KY ‘24) is a fifth grade math teacher at Longbranch Elementary School in Union, KY. Stewart is passionate about student growth, preparing her students to be leaders in every area of their lives. Stewart received a 2024-25 Kentucky Milken Educator Award on December 11, 2025
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Spotlight: Kyle Cook (LA '24)
June 20, 2025Louisiana Milken Educator Kyle Cook (LA ‘24) is a band director and mentor teacher at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana. Cook inspires students through his dynamic band program, where more than half the student body will participate in 2025-26. His innovative teaching connects music with core subjects, fostering academic and personal growth while holding students to high standards. Cook received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 5, 2024.
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Spotlight: Ashley Davis (LA '24)
June 16, 2025Louisiana Milken Educator Ashley Davis (LA ‘24) is a fourth grade math teacher at Central Intermediate School in Central, Louisiana. Davis empowers her students by creating a classroom where general and special education students learn together, fostering collaboration, confidence and social-emotional growth. Davis received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 4, 2024, making her the 3,000th Milken Educator Award recipient.
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Spotlight: Marcus Ross (ID '24)
June 5, 2025Idaho Milken Educator Marcus Ross (ID ‘24) is an eighth and ninth grade teacher and former student at Lakes Middle School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ross uses creativity and connection in the classroom, from creating mystery games for teaching statistics to implementing a unique classroom management system for keeping his students engaged and motivated. Ross received a 2024-25 Idaho Milken Educator Award on November 20, 2024.
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Spotlight: Maria Santonastaso (RI '24)
June 2, 2025Rhode Island Milken Educator Maria Santonastaso (RI ‘24) is a kindergarten teacher at Glen Hills Elementary School in Cranston. Santonastaso is known for inspiring curiosity and creativity for each student through mindfulness, collaborative teaching, and project-based learning. Santonastaso received a 2024–25 Rhode Island Milken Educator Award on October 22, 2024, launching the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award season.
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Spotlight: Emily Litz (NJ '24)
May 28, 2025New Jersey Milken Educator Emily Litz (NJ ‘24) is a fifth grade teacher at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School in Scotch Plains. Litz is known for creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment that empowers students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning and real-time instructional adjustments. Litz received a 2024–25 New Jersey Milken Educator Award on November 14, 2024, making her the first recipient from her district.
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Spotlight: Jessica Chapman (CT '24)
May 22, 2025Connecticut Milken Educator Jessica Chapman (CT ‘24) is a ninth through 12th grade teacher at Norwich Free Academy. Chapman creates an inclusive,inspiring social studies classroom for her students to thrive. Her tailored curriculum engages everyone from multilingual learners to college-credit seniors, sparking curiosity and global responsibility.
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Spotlight: John Melandro (NY '24)
May 20, 2025New York Milken Educator John Melandro (NY ‘24) is a fifth grade general elementary teacher at Tangier Smith Elementary School. Melandro is passionate about building relationships with students and ensuring they feel valued and seen. Melandro keeps the wonder of learning alive in his classroom through engaging experiences ranging from magic tricks to hosting guest speakers from fields like culinary arts and cosmetology.
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Reactions and Takeaways from the 2025 MEA Forum
April 30, 2025Milken Educators share the moments and ideas that inspired them at the 2025 MEA Forum. -
Spotlight: Maggie Jiang Arnold (MD '23)
October 18, 2024Maryland Milken Educator Maggie Jiang Arnold is a ninth through 12th grade math teacher at Frederick High School. She empowers students through innovative methods rooted in Mind Brain Education, fostering critical thinking and real world problem solving. Her commitment to building strong relationships with students and families, along with her leadership in curriculum development, has made her a respected figure in the school community. "Taking the time to build relationships with students is the key to successful teaching. Students work harder for you when they know that you are on their side and that you believe in them."