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$25,000 Milken Educator Award Catches Master Teacher by Surprise in Somerset ISD

Juan Dominguez of Veterans Elementary earns prestigious national Award during coast-to-coast tour honoring excellence and innovation in education

April 03, 2024

Santa Monica, Calif. — Marking another successful year as an educator in Somerset Independent School District, Juan Dominguez began his morning with an unexpected, extraordinary surprise: a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. As a master teacher at SSGT Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary, Dominguez attended an all-school assembly this morning, described to students and staff as a visit from Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. To everyone's surprise, Morath announced a special guest: Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley. As a testament to Dominguez's exceptional contributions to education both inside and outside of the classroom, Dr. Foley presented him with the prestigious Milken Educator Award and its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. 

"Juan Dominguez's dedication to the education profession has been remarkable," said Dr. Foley, who is a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator herself. "He ignites an enthusiasm for learning every time he steps foot into a classroom, whether it is to teach students or to coach colleagues. Leading with a passion for bettering himself and those around him, Juan exemplifies the transformative power of education, leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the greater community. Congratulations, Juan." 

Dominguez was completely unaware of his candidacy for the Award. Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," the Awards will honor up to 75 recipients across the country in 2023-24 as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s Journey to the 3,000^th Milken Educator. 2023-24 will reach $75 million in individual financial prizes spanning the length of the initiative and more than $144 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to "Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate" the K-12 profession and inspiring young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. 

"Congratulations to Juan Dominguez for receiving this year's Milken Educator Award," added Governor Greg Abbott. "Thank you so much for dedicating 11 years of your career to mentoring students and other teachers. Your work as a master teacher has impacted so many lives and we are very proud of your success and the incredible achievements of your students." 

Dominguez becomes the second and final 2023-24 Texas Milken Educator Award recipient, joining Dr. Johnny Walker of Winona Middle School in East Texas, who was recognized yesterday, April 2. 

"Teachers form the backbone of our society - brain surgeons in their own right, helping eager young minds learn and grow," said Commissioner Morath. "It's teachers like Juan Dominguez that embody such principles, representing what is right in Texas public schools. Mr. Dominguez's impact on his students and colleagues is apparent. He is an incredible asset to Veterans Elementary and Somerset ISD and I am thrilled this Milken Educator Award helps shine a light on his contributions. Congratulations, Juan, on this well-deserved honor!" 

The Milken Educator Award is not intended to honor lifetime achievement. Recipients are recognized early to mid-career for their current achievements and the promise of what they will achieve in the future. 

More About Juan Dominguez

Cultivating Excellence: At SSGT Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary, master teacher Juan Dominguez is laser-focused on equipping his colleagues and students with the resources to succeed. Although this is Dominguez's first year at Veterans Elementary, he is no stranger to the Somerset Independent School District. A former fourth and fifth grade teacher, bilingual lead teacher and mentor teacher, Dominguez harnesses his classroom experience, content knowledge, and firm belief that everyone can reach their potential. A strong relationship-builder with a data-driven mindset, Dominguez serves as an asset to the school leadership team. He helps leverage talent to reinforce strengths and address areas of growth, inspires leadership qualities in those around him, and creates a positive, nurturing environment for everyone to grow.

Driving Teacher Efficiency: Through a district partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Veterans Elementary makes educator effectiveness its core strategy to raise student achievement. Dominguez works with administrators, mentor teachers and fellow master teachers to develop effective instructional strategies, models their delivery in the classroom, and provides regular, real-time feedback to drive continuous improvement. Leading by example, Dominguez attends professional development and spends extra time delving into new technology and educational resources. He received master teacher recognition under the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), which has allowed him to share best practices across the state. Dominguez has opened his doors to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to see his teaching in action.

Inspiring Leadership in Others: In every endeavor, Dominguez is inspired by his roots as a bilingual student and first-generation college graduate. The son of migrant farmer workers, Dominguez began a career in food management before pivoting to education. In Texas he went from earning an alternative teaching certificate, to substituting and working his way through several aide and classroom teaching positions in Somerset ISD, to serving as a teacher leader. At Veterans Elementary, Dominguez continues his passion for bilingual education as a member of the bilingual team. Additionally, Dominguez has facilitated a districtwide study of culture called "Feria Mundial," volunteered to coach sports, translated materials for events and has often lent a helping hand after hours.

Education: Dominguez earned his Bachelor of Arts in human performance and physical education (HPPE) and sports administration from Colorado’s Adams State University in 2010.

More about the Milken Educator Award Journey: "The Future Belongs to the Educated"  

• The honorees attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles this June, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education.
• 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 a specific topic area; and Activating Milken Educators (AME) promotes group collaboration in and across states to tackle pressing educational needs.
• Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels.
• 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. 

Follow the Milken Educator Awards tour and use the #MEA3K and #MilkenAward hashtags on: Facebook (MilkenEducatorAwards) | X (Milken) | YouTube (MilkenAward)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn) | LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn) | TikTok (MilkenAward).

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

About the Milken Educator Awards
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by Lowell Milken, 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. 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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