Press Releases    All Press Releases

Extra, Extra! Newport News Science Teacher Receives District’s First Milken Educator Award

Lauren Burns’ formula for success at Heritage High earns national honor and $25,000

November 06, 2026

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News biology teacher Lauren Burns received the surprise of a lifetime this morning when she was presented with the prestigious Milken Educator Award at Heritage High School. The national honor recognizes top educators across the country each year and comes with an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000. Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop, along with Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway, presented the Award to Burns in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. Burns is the state’s only Milken honoree for 2026-27 and the first recipient in the history of Newport News Public Schools. 

“Lauren Burns pairs a strong commitment to her students and their academic achievement with an equally strong vision for what science education can make possible,” said Bishop, who is a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. “Outstanding educators spark curiosity, build confidence and create opportunities that shape students’ futures, and Lauren personifies this kind of transformative teaching. Welcome to the Milken Educator Network, Lauren, and congratulations!” 

Burns is the state’s 53rd recipient since Virginia joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1999. 

“From her commitment to helping her students reach their full potential to her dedication to perfecting her craft, Ms. Lauren Burns exemplifies the absolute best of the teaching profession in Virginia,” said Superintendent Conway. “The Milken Educator Award’s recognition of her impact only underscores what an extraordinary educator she is. It’s clear that when we invest in teachers, remarkable things happen for children.” 

“Lauren, congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your dedication to your students, your passion for teaching and your commitment to helping every child reach their full potential—you represent the very best of Virginia’s educators,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger in a special congratulatory video presented during the assembly. “As governor, I believe there is nothing more important than investing in our kids and recognizing that they are our future. Thank you for inspiring the students in your classroom every single day.” 

The Milken Educator Awards 40th Anniversary Tour will honor up to 30 educators coast to coast—adding to the Milken Educator Network of more than 3,000 professionals nationwide. Since the Awards’ first presentation in 1987, more than $76 million in individual cash prizes and over $147 million has been 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. 

The Milken Educator Award is not a lifetime achievement honor. Recipients 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. 

More About Lauren Burns 

A Formula for Science and Student Success: Burns brings science to life for her students at Heritage High School in Newport News. Through hands-on instruction with real-world applications, Burns engages her students in core skills and principles while strengthening their ability to think critically and reflect thoughtfully. Examples like her “Mac Mush Lab” challenging students to analyze proteins and carbohydrates in food items, and a gel DNA electrophoresis experiment through Virginia Tech, demonstrate how examining life’s building blocks plays a critical role in every field—from forensics to food science. 

With an emphasis on data-driven instruction, Burns’ teaching methods achieve positive results, with 83% of her students passing the state assessment and registering consistent growth overall. She charts her own progress with the same acute focus she encourages students to place on data collection, analysis and reflection: Burns pores over student data and work, implements formative and summative assessments, scaffolds instruction in real time, and collaborates with students individually or in small groups to ensure their understanding. It is not uncommon to see students engrossed in learning with Burns during lunchtime or after school. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Science Teachers: In addition to her relentless pursuit of academic excellence, Burns is devoted to ensuring a strong pipeline of science educators and enthusiasts. She earned her dual-enrollment certification in 2026 through the district’s partnerships with Christopher Newport University and Virginia Peninsula Community College. Through this special class offered at Heritage, her students have the opportunity to earn college credit through VPCC. 

Making an Impact Beyond the Lab: Burns’ influence extends beyond her classroom through her role as the science department lead and as a member of Heritage’s Instructional Leadership Team. The group meets weekly to plan upcoming events, address teacher needs and develop schoolwide initiatives. She is also a member of the school improvement team, and serves as a teacher-in-residence mentor to prepare aspiring science educators for successful careers. At the district level, Burns helps develop curriculum and leads professional development. 

Education: A graduate of James Madison University, Burns earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in secondary education in 2013 and a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education in 2015.  

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; Activating Milken Educators (AME) promotes group collaboration in and across states to bring solutions to pressing educational needs; and the Milken Educator Collective connects recipients with shared content areas, grade levels, or professional roles. 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 from June 4-6, 2027, in Washington, D.C., where they will network with their new colleagues, as well as veteran Milken Educators and other leaders, about how to amplify their voices as beacons of excellence in the profession.
• Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels. 

The Milken Educator Award might come to a community near you! Who will be next? Join us as we surprise these remarkable individuals and celebrate their dedication to excellence in education! Follow the tour and use the #MEA40 and #MilkenAward hashtags 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 over four decades of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

---