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Physics Teacher Ryan Lafferty of Bellevue, Washington State, Scores $25,000 Milken Educator Award

January 07, 2016

SANTA MONICA, CA — Ryan Lafferty, a physics teacher at Bellevue’s International School in Washington state experienced the shock of his life when he was presented with a Milken Educator Award and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize today at an all-school assembly.

The assembly was a routine affair until Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley turned it on its head and brought the crowd to its feet. Washington State Superintendent Randy Dorn and Bellevue School District Superintendent Dr. Tim Mills joined in the special celebration along with cheering students, respected colleagues, distinguished officials and the media.

Lafferty is among up to only 40 educators who will receive the prestigious national honor during the Milken Family Foundation’s (MFF) coast-to-coast tour across the country. MFF has been rewarding outstanding elementary and secondary educators with the Award since 1987.

“Ryan Lafferty’s enthusiasm for physics is infectious,” said Foley. “Students are inspired by Ryan’s ability to connect physics to everyday life, and their performance in his class strengthens their understanding of subjects across the curriculum. Colleagues also trust him as a go-to leader and mentor. I congratulate Ryan for his accomplishments now and for his potential to achieve even more in the future.”

“Mr. Lafferty inspires his students every day,” said Dorn. “His upbeat attitude and project-based approach create an energized learning environment that supports a love of learning.”

Many of Lafferty’s hands-on classroom practices stem from his work with the Bellevue School District, University of Washington and the George Lucas Educational Foundation to develop a problem-based curriculum for AP Physics with the hopes of it becoming implemented nationally.

In class, students do everything from build Roman arches and projectile instruments such as slingshots and catapults. A Diddley bow, which is a single-string instrument, was constructed in conjunction with the history and arts departments. Students built the instrument in art, studied the impact of tension on sound in physics and learned to play them in music. Another project was a “crash scene investigators” unit in which students analyzed what happened in a crash based on physics.  

The creativity and engaging nature of Lafferty’s classes make them popular. His AP classes are offered every year, with students producing high pass rates on the AP exam and district assessments. Accelerated students have become student teachers in his class, furthering Lafferty’s ability to help everyone excel.

Lafferty’s dedication to student success extends beyond his classroom. Known on campus as a natural leader, he goes the distance to guide struggling students in other classrooms and is regularly available to help colleagues meet students’ needs. Every year, he engages all students with a video game design focus week, during which he brings in a colleague, parents, alumni and industry leaders from Microsoft to participate. All school staff members showed their general appreciation for Lafferty by dressing up as him for Halloween.

Lafferty is a National Honors Society advisor, serves on the school’s middle and high science clubs and travels to the state science bowl. Lafferty is also committed to enhancing social emotional learning, interdepartmental collaboration and professional communication.

He received his Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Washington in 2008 and a Master in Teaching from Seattle University in 2010.

More information about Lafferty, plus photos and a video from today’s assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website at http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/ryan-lafferty.

The Milken Educator Awards program has been described as “the Oscars of teaching” by Teacher magazine. Recipients are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. Many have gone on to earn advanced degrees and be placed in prominent posts and on state and national education committees.

Alternating yearly between elementary and secondary educators, the Milken Awards are sourced through each participating state department of education, which appoints an independent blue ribbon committee to confidentially review candidates for recommendation to MFF.

This year, MFF launched a #MyTeacherRocks Instagram campaign that encourages students to take selfies with their favorite teacher and describe in the caption why their teacher is special. To enter the contest, entrants are asked to follow @MilkenFamilyFdn on Instagram, post their selfie to their individual account and use the #MyTeacherRocks and #MilkenAward hashtags. Two photos with the most “likes” will be selected in February and April 2016. The first of the three winners was selected in November 2015.

To get regular updates on the surprise Milken Educator Award events, follow and use the #MilkenAward hashtag on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call MFF at (310) 570-4772.

The Milken Educator Awards tour is on social media at https://instagram.com/milkenfamilyfdn; www.facebook.com/milkeneducatorawards; www.twitter.com/milken; and www.youtube.com/milkenaward.

The Milken Educator Awards, created by the Milken Family Foundation, were launched in 1987. The Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school 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.

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