Articles
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Spotlight: Bonnie Pollock (AR '24)
September 18, 2025Arkansas Milken Educator Bonnie Pollock (AR ‘24) is a sixth grade English language arts, reading, and social studies teacher at Old High Middle School in Bentonville. Pollock turns everyday lessons into unforgettable experiences by bringing subjects to life with hands-on projects. Beyond the classroom, Pollock mentors aspiring teachers, presents at professional development conferences, and actively supports her school’s growth through leadership roles. Pollock received a Milken Educator Award on March 5, 2025.
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Spotlight: Rachel Kinsaul (GA '24)
September 17, 2025Georgia Milken Educator Rachel Kinsaul (GA ‘24) teaches agricultural science to grades 9–12 at Morgan County High School. Known for her hands-on teaching and leadership, Kinsaul mentors fellow educators, led fundraising for The Morgan Agricultural Learning Lab, and organized Sophomore Service Day to connect students with local community service projects. She received her Milken Educator Award on March 4, 2025.
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Spotlight: Danyel Smith (CA '24)
September 15, 2025California Milken Educator Danyel Smith (CA ‘24) is a ninth through 12th grade American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Alta Loma High School. Smith’s dedication to teaching provides accessible education and creates pathways for students to thrive. By fostering inclusivity and building relationships with elementary and middle schools, Smith ignites a lifelong passion for ASL. As a leader in the World Language Department and advocate for students, she ensures every learner has the support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. On February 18, 2025, Smith became the first ASL teacher to receive a Milken Educator Award.
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Spotlight: Nancy Chavira (TX '24)
September 11, 2025Texas Milken Educator Nancy Chavira is a fifth grade math and science teacher at Johanna O’Donnell Intermediate School. Chavira is a force of nature in the classroom, inspiring her students with resilience and a passion for learning. A bilingual educator who sets the bar high in math and science, she fosters deep understanding while mentoring new teachers and leading community initiatives. Chavira received a Milken Educator Award on February 7, 2025.
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Spotlight: Keighley George (SC '24)
September 8, 2025South Carolina Milken Educator Keighley George (SC ‘24) is a kindergarten through fifth grade lead interventionist at Forest Lake Elementary School. With a growth mindset, George fosters meaningful connections with students, parents and educators. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, impacting her district and state through professional development and advocacy for student success. George received her Milken Educator Award on February 20, 2025.
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Spotlight: Dexter Hanzel (NE '24)
September 4, 2025Nebraska Milken Educator Dexter Hanzel (NE ‘24) is currently the 7-12 principal at Neligh-Oakdale Jr./Sr. High School. At the time of his Milken Award notification on on February 11, 2025, he was a math and science teacher at the same school. Hanzel’s commitment to his students, colleagues, and community, whether on the field, in the classroom, or through his leadership, is a true example of what it means to serve and inspire.
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Spotlight: Jessica Stoen (ND '24)
September 3, 2025North Dakota Milken Educator Jessica Stoen (ND ‘24) is a second grade educator at Northern Cass Elementary School. Stoen’s passion for teaching sparks curiosity and builds confidence in her second graders through personalized, hands-on lessons, like the annual water cycle science day. Stoen received a Milken Educator Award on Valentine’s Day 2025!
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Spotlight: Dan Gallagher (SD '24)
August 28, 2025South Dakota Milken Educator Dan Gallagher (SD ‘24) is a sixth through eighth grade teacher at Aberdeen Roncalli Middle/Senior High School. Gallagher’s commitment to excellence shines through in his hands-on science projects, like building catapults and creating rollercoasters to teach physics. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, where he encourages selflessness by having basketball players clean the gym after every game. Gallagher received a Milken Educator Award on February 13, 2025.
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Spotlight: Jillian Levreault (MA '24)
August 27, 2025Massachusetts Milken Educator Jillian Levreault (MA ‘24) is a sixth grade science teacher at Southbridge Middle School. By weaving inquiry-based learning into every lesson, she sparks student engagement while fostering connections that extend far beyond the school building. From cheering at school events to leading professional development for her peers, Levreault displays a commitment to excellence that is a true inspiration. Levreault received her Milken Educator Award on February 7, 2025.
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Spotlight: Collin Binko (WY '24)
August 25, 2025Wyoming Milken Educator Collin Binko (WY ‘24) is a Jackson Hole High School fine arts teacher and district K-12 fine arts coordinator. His leadership not only doubled choir enrollment at the middle school, but his cross-curricular approach also helps students connect music with core subjects like math and reading. Binko received a Milken Educator Award on March 12, 2025.