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Joni Readout, You're Iowa's Milken Educator!

The morning assembly in Central Decatur's gym is bursting at the seams with students, staff and distinguished guests, including Iowa Department of Education Director Dr. Ryan Wise. Dr. Gary Stark, chief executive officer of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, is visiting to commend the school on its stellar growth and academic achievements—but is that the only reason he's here? When Stark, representing the Milken Family Foundation as a 2001 Milken Educator from Arkansas, surprises TAP Master Teacher Joni Readout with Iowa's 2017-18 Milken Educator Award and a check for $25,000, the day quickly becomes one the outstanding educator will remember forever. Follow the exciting event in the photos below.