Articles
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Spotlight: Kelly Maranchuck (DC '23)
August 20, 2024When she was a student, Washington, D.C., Milken Educator Kelly Maranchuck developed the nickname “Count Kelly” in AP U.S. History because teachers could always count on her for answers. This fueled Kelly’s confidence and made her feel valued in the classroom. Kelly fondly reflects on her educator role models because they created authentic relationships with their students and reinforced what made each of them unique. Now as a senior curriculum coordinator and instructional coach, Kelly focuses on cultivating a safe space and building authentic relationships with her own students. “It is shocking how similar we still are to children; if we want to grow, we need to be in a place where we know we are being pushed and we know that our mentor, coach or team cares about us and sees our greatness.”
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Spotlight: Kimberly Alexander Carlo (NY '23)
August 16, 2024Having mentors who shaped her into the educator she is today helped New York Milken Award Winner Kimberly Alexander Carlo forge her own path as a science educator. From a young age, Kimberly felt the calling to become a teacher and now, in her own classroom, builds relationships with her students through mentorship. “I hope my students remember how they felt in our class and that it was a kind, caring, inclusive space full of wonder, awe and curiosity.”
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Spotlight: Travis Dodds (VA '23)
August 15, 2024Raised by former educators, Virginia Milken Educator Travis Dodds’ early exposure to the realities of the career helped guide him to the classroom. Now a science teacher at his alma mater, he connects with students while being reminded of the joys, challenges and various mindsets high school students have. Using case studies, Travis helps students find relevancy and interest in their learning. “I hope students remember that they were able to learn and achieve more than they initially thought possible. While it would certainly be great if students remembered all of the content 10 years later, ultimately, it’s the skills they develop and ability to persevere that will help them the most.”
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Spotlight: Alexis Arias (CA '23)
August 13, 2024California Milken Educator Alexis Arias has found her calling in alternative education. She encourages students who may not have always had positive experiences at school by addressing the root of their misconceptions about education and helping them realize that their power lies in resilience. Utilizing social media, Alexis advocates for alternative education systems and the students within them. “My goal is to highlight the innovative approaches we use to engage and support our students, demonstrating how personalized learning environments can lead to academic success and personal growth.”
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Spotlight: Derrick Winn (LA '23)
August 12, 2024Louisiana Milken Educator Derrick Winn is a visible leader both in and out of the classroom. Derrick sees the positive impact that active involvement has on relationship building with students, parents and the community at large. His own eighth grade teacher inspired his creativity and hands on learning approach through trips across the country and abroad. He hopes that his students feel safe, welcomed and loved. “I want students to remember me like I remember the best teachers I’ve had. I remember those teachers because of their warmth, creativity and positivity.”
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Spotlight: Asia Cunningham (NC '23)
August 8, 2024From a young age, Asia Cunningham understood the impact of family engagement on student success. Her parents worked hard to provide quality education that set her up for a lifetime of success. Now, as principal of Pearsontown Elementary, she consistently advocates for her students' needs and draws inspiration from her mother who modeled determination, grit and accomplishing goals without limitations.
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Spotlight: Andrew Harrison (AR '23)
August 7, 2024Arkansas Milken Educator Andrew Harrison attributes his success to role models like his father, uncles, grandfathers and football coaches who preached the importance of hard work and perseverance. Now, when faced with challenges, he collaborates with his colleagues and goes the extra mile to achieve success. Drawing on lessons learned from his first year of teaching, he strives to build rapport with his students to help them reach new heights. “This job is about helping others reach their goals and pushing them to their full potential. It’s about becoming a member of the school community and putting others before yourself.”
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Spotlight: Amanda Fair-Coles (SC '23)
August 2, 2024South Carolina Milken Educator Amanda Fair-Coles values having a looped classroom where she not only nurtures relationships with students and their families, but also strengthens her teaching tactics. This classroom formula allows her to modify the curriculum to students’ individual needs — resulting in tremendous academic growth. Amanda's students have even signed a petition for her to teach them again during the upcoming school year.
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Spotlight: Caleb Flores (CO '23)
August 1, 2024Working as a Culturally Linguistically Diverse teacher holds great meaning for Colorado Milken Educator Caleb Flores, who comes from a family of immigrants in pursuit of the American dream. In his classroom, he implements strategies like culturally responsive teaching, social and emotional learning and academic monitoring to position them on the path to success. "Working as a CLD teacher is the most rewarding and fulfilling career that I've ever had. When I help my students who come from other parts of the world to make a better life and learn the language, I am reminded of my grandparents and everyone in my family who came before me.”
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Spotlight: Leslie McIntosh (NE '23)
July 29, 2024Milken Educator Leslie McIntosh is a hometown hero in Syracuse, Nebraska, where she grew up, attended school and saw her own mother serve the community as an educator. Now, an English and language arts teacher at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School, she, too, is serving the community that raised her. “I had many wonderful teachers in my childhood. In fact, I have had the privilege to work with many of them today because I came back to my hometown to live and raise my children.”