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We're Thankful for Outstanding Educators

At the pre-Thanksgiving assembly for Alaska Milken Educator Paul Campbell's surprise notification, students at Anchorage's Chester Valley Elementary School talked about the things for which they're thankful — including learning and their school community. 

Dear Milken Educators and Champions of Education,

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we're thinking about how grateful we are for our Milken Educators and the vast network that supports them and helps them change students' lives. Thanks to all of the teachers and administrators reading this for choosing to spend your career educating our next generation of leaders.

Read on to meet this year's Milken Educator Award winners in Arkansas and Alaska, and for links to some excellent articles penned by Milken Educators about teaching in the wake of this year's turbulent election.

Kara Davis (AR '16)

Kara Davis (AR '16), a fourth-grade teacher at Joe Mathias Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas, joined the Milken Educator family on November 18th. There were tears galore, and Kara got an extra-special hug at the end of her surprise notification from her daughter Sarah, a third-grader at the school. In addition to serving as a literacy resource for her school and district, Kara is committed to supporting and mentoring new teachers to keep them in the profession; she started a class for Mathias' first-year teachers to help them with school policies and procedures, lesson planning, and preparation for conferences and evaluations. 

>> See Kara Davis' notification photos
>> Watch Kara Davis' surprise notification video
>> Watch 30 years of Arkansas Milken Educator highlights

Paul Campbell (AK '16)

More than a dozen dignitaries and veteran Milken Educators joined us at Chester Valley Elementary in Anchorage to welcome Paul Campbell (AK '16) to the family. Having Dr. Michael Johnson (on the right in the photo above) on hand for Paul's surprise notification was a special treat: Not only is Michael Alaska's commissioner of education, but he's also a 2008 Milken Educator. Paul, who teaches looped first- and second-grade, can often be heard singing with his young students, using music to create a sense of community, smooth classroom transitions and practice literacy skills. When our own Dr. Jane Foley asked Paul why singing was important, he looked over at his students and said, "Because it's super fun!"

>> See Paul Campbell's notification photos
>> Watch Paul Campbell's surprise notification video
>> Watch 30 years of Alaska Milken Educator highlights

After the divisive campaign season and unexpected Election Day results, teachers around the country have grappled with tough conversations and highly charged emotions in the classroom. Milken Educators have taken the lead on discussing these issues. Put the following articles on your must-read list:

>> The Long Road Ahead
Milken Educator Justin Minkel (AR '06) says children need teachers more than ever after the recent presidential election.

>> For the Sake of Humanity, Teach the Humanities
Jim Haas (KS '93) argues that liberal arts education is essential to good citizenship—and should start before college.

>> Teaching After Election Day
How are teachers helping students make sense of the divisive presidential campaign and our Election Day surprise? Two Milken Educators weigh in.

>> Educational Equity Is More than Jargon
Discussions and action around educational equity may be difficult, but they're critical, says Michelle Ryan (MA '15)