Milkens of the Heartland – Milken Educator Mentor Program

Kansas

In 2025, Milkens of the Heartland announced a partnership with Emporia State University--one of Kansas’s premier teacher education institutions--to provide professional development and mentorship to ESU students completing their student teaching internship. The program provides a unique opportunity for aspiring educators to connect with nationally celebrated teachers throughout the course of their internship and beyond.

Participating students engage in four professional development experiences each semester.

These interactive sessions are designed to connect, inspire, and support future educators through meaningful engagement with Milken Educators. In the following semester, Milken Mentors continue their support by meeting virtually with the same students on a monthly basis. These sessions provide opportunities to check in, address questions, and offer guidance and coaching as participants navigate their first year of teaching.

Kansas Milken Educators, left to right Ryan Pfeifer (2021), Alex Lahasky (2023), Brad Nicks (2009), Carly Bowden (2019), Kristi Yulich (2022), and William "Bill" Smithyman (2015), attended Emporia State University Fall 2025 Education Graduates’ Honors Ceremony. Graduates participated in the Milkens of the Heartland professional development sessions throughout their student teaching semester.

Kansas Milken Educators gather to welcome the newest member of the Milken family, Lexcee Oddo. Most pictured are actively involved in the planning and presenting of professional development sessions with Emporia State University partnership.

Kansas Milken Educators, Ryan Pfeifer (2021), Linda Dishman (2018), Brad Nicks (2009), and Alex Lahasky (2023), presented a Teacher Playbook at the KEEN Conference in Topeka, KS. The Kansas Exemplary Educators Network's (KEEN) mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary educators who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching/education profession. This playbook allows educators, admin and coaches to have a quick reference sheet to increase engagement within any lesson.

To find out more, visit the
Milkens of the Heartland – Milken Educator Mentor Program Homepage