Articles
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Spotlight: Amanda Duplessy (MS '24)
August 13, 2025Mississippi Milken Educator Amanda Duplessy (MS ‘24) is a K-5 ELA instructional support specialist and previous fifth grade teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School. Duplessy’s commitment to student success shines through in every lesson. By tailoring her curriculum to meet individual needs and fostering leadership in both students and teachers, she inspires academic growth and community engagement. Duplessy received a Milken Educator Award on January 29, 2025.
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Spotlight: Mary Travis (AL '24)
August 12, 2025Alabama Milken Educator Mary Travis (AL ‘24) is a math coach teacher at Dr. Robert W. Gilliard Elementary School. Travis sparks curiosity and inspires future leaders by bringing learning to life with hands-on projects. Beyond the classroom, Travis mentors new educators, shares her expertise districtwide, and fosters lasting connections with her students and their families. Travis received her Milken Educator Award on January 30, 2025.
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Spotlight: Luke Kanine (MI '24)
August 11, 2025Michigan Milken Educator Luke Kanine (MI ‘24) is a Spanish and physical education teacher and behavior interventionist at E.F. Rittmueller Middle School. He combines innovative teaching with a deep commitment to social-emotional learning. Whether it’s teaching Spanish, encouraging personal growth in P.E., or mentoring fellow educators, Kanine creates a supportive, nurturing environment where students and colleagues alike can thrive. Kanine received his Milken Educator Award on January 24, 2025.
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Spotlight: Jessica Wentz (IL '24)
August 7, 2025Illinois Milken Educator Jessica Wentz (IL ‘24) is a first grade teacher and former student at Lincoln Grade School. Wentz makes learning an adventure—whether it’s through “Adjective Runway” fashion shows or “Hulk Smash” math games! Her passion for data-driven teaching and love for science-based methods transform her classroom to ensure every child succeeds. Wentz received her Milken Educator Award on January 17, 2025.
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Spotlight: Holly Hunter (IA '24)
August 6, 2025Iowa Milken Educator Holly Hunter (IA ‘24) is an English language arts and reading teacher at Davis Elementary School. As a leader in her school and district, Hunter fosters a culture of growth and empowerment, supporting both students and colleagues through continuous learning and development. With a focus on building confidence, community and lifelong skills, Hunter creates a lasting impact on every child she teaches. Hunter received her Milken Educator Award on January 16, 2025.
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Spotlight: Derek Tharp (AR '24)
August 4, 2025Arkansas 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.
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Spotlight: Emily Snyder (AK '24)
July 31, 2025Alaska Milken Educator Emily Snyder (AK ‘24) is a reading specialist and instructional coach at Nenana City School District. Through her passion for literacy and leadership in the district, Snyder helps students take ownership of their learning and drives growth and excellence districtwide. Snyder received a 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on December 19, 2024.
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Spotlight: Rashinda Billie (NM '24)
July 29, 2025New Mexico Milken Educator Rashinda Billie (NM ‘24) is a fifth grade teacher at Kirtland Elementary School. Billie’s classroom is a dynamic space where learning comes to life through hands-on experiences and innovative teaching methods. A proud member of the Navajo community, she fosters growth, curiosity and excitement in her fifth graders, leading them to thrive academically and personally. Billie received a 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on January 15, 2025.
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Spotlight: Dallas DeWeese (MO '24)
July 28, 2025Dallas DeWeese (MO ‘24) was a Hollister Middle School social studies teacher when he received Missouri’s 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on December 19, 2024. Below, Dallas reflects on his work at the school, where he integrated social studies with English, science, and math, creating a rich, interdisciplinary environment that inspired student engagement and fosters essential real-world skills. He brings this same spirit to his new role as assistant principal at Hollister Early Childhood Center within the same district.
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Spotlight: Vanessa Smith (NC '24)
July 24, 2025North Carolina Milken Educator Vanessa Smith (NC ‘24) is a Croft Community School first grade teacher. Smith tailors instruction to meet each student's needs by creating a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes peer-based problem-solving. As a passionate leader and advocate for equity in education, Smith's dedication extends beyond the classroom, mentoring fellow teachers and driving change in her community. Smith received a 2024-25 North Carolina Milken Educator Award on December 18, 2024.