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Math Star Jeffery Heggs of Burke County Surprised With National $25,000 Milken Educator Award

The nationwide Milken Educator Awards tour touches down in Georgia, shines spotlight on Waynesboro teacher Jeffery Heggs

November 21, 2025

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — This morning, the Burke County High School Bears arrived at school expecting an assembly with Georgia Department of Education Director of Literacy Amy Denty. What they weren’t expecting was for their beloved ninth, 11th and 12th grade math teacher Jeffery Heggs to become a nationally recognized Milken Educator – and $25,000 richer! 

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop named Heggs as the Peach State’s 88th recipient since Georgia’s adoption of the program in 1990. He is the state’s sole 2025-26 recipient, and the first-ever from Burke County Public Schools. While the Award—and its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize—is life-changing for Heggs, the surprise launched a schoolwide celebration this morning, complete with roaring applause from students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. 

“It’s not often you see an educator as well-rounded as Jeffery Heggs,” said Bishop, who is also a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. “From his instructional leadership at school, involvement in the community, thoughtful mentorship to others and furthering his own education, Jeffery’s light shines across Burke County and beyond. Welcome to the Milken Educator Network, Jeffery. Congratulations!” 

Today Heggs joins a national network of over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the Awards’ nearly 40-year history as the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Awards initiative has no formal application or nomination process. Outstanding K-12 educators are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved—and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award. 

“Jeffery Heggs reflects the heart of what it means to be a Georgia educator. He creates a classroom where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take ownership of their learning and their future,” Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “His commitment to compelling instruction, innovative practices, and meaningful relationships is making a real, lasting difference for the students at Burke County High School. We are grateful for his service, his leadership, and the example he sets each day.” 

This season will reach more than $76 million in individual cash prizes since the Awards’ first presentation in 1987 and over $146 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to broaden their impact and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education. 

More About Jeffery Heggs 

A Guiding Force: Jeffery Heggs is the kind of educator – and role model – whose positive influence stays with students forever. A math teacher at Burke County High School (BCHS), Heggs inspires students to shoot for the stars, build confidence, and embrace ownership of learning. He teaches classes such as algebra I, foundations of algebra, and IB mathematics as a specialty-designated instruction/co-teaching model classroom instructor. 

Exciting Instruction: Heggs differentiates instruction and utilizes technology to cater to each student’s needs—so much so that his classroom has been used as a state-level model. Students stay engaged through games, group challenges and projects (one of which even led to a patent for a fishing lure), and a "Math in Life" presentation that connects mathematical concepts to everyday applications, such as budgeting and sports statistics. 

Data-Informed Practices: As BCHS's data analyst, Heggs is instrumental in collecting student data, monitoring progress, integrating technology, identifying trends, and facilitating data analysis meetings to move the school forward. He is a Visible Learning Ambassador, curriculum advisor, teacher mentor, and district superintendent advisory board member. Often seeking new opportunities to improve his craft, Heggs has completed various certifications (Tier I Leadership, Coaching Endorsement, Teacher Support Specialist) and has presented at the national Visible Learning conference. 

A Reliable Role Model: Wednesdays are a popular day among young men at BCHS, thanks to Heggs' bow tie club. Heggs, along with students and colleagues, wear bow ties on Wednesdays and attend semester group outings like bowling and college visits – fostering rewarding mentorships between students and positive adult role models. He additionally helped create BCHS's first-ever student council, tutors students, and serves as the after-school administrator. 

Education: Heggs earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a minor in business administration from Troy State University (2011) and a Master of Business Administration from Salem University (2013). 

The Milken Educator Award Reaps Lifelong Benefits

• The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children’s or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
• Honorees receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy. Milken Friends Forever (MFF) pairs a new recipient with a veteran Milken Educator mentor; the Expanding MFF Resource and Explorer Program fosters individual veteran Milken Educator partnerships around specific topic areas; and Activating Milken Educators (AME) promotes group collaboration in and across states to bring solutions to pressing educational needs. Milken MeetUps abound across the nation to deepen learning and connection and expand innovation in education.
• The honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., from June 12-14, 2026, where they will network with their new colleagues, as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders, about how to further develop their voice into roles that lead to real change.
• Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels. 

Follow the Milken Educator Awards tour and use the #MilkenAward hashtag on: YouTube (MilkenAward)| Facebook (MilkenEducatorAwards)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn)| TikTok (MilkenAward)| X (Milken)| LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn). 

Visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 for more information.

About the Milken Educator Awards: “The Future Belongs to the Educated”
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The Milken Family Foundation celebrates more than 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

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