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Saginaw's Jenna O'Driscoll Earns $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Building Academic Skills – and Community

Principal of Merrill Park Elementary has history of helping students and engaging families

Oprah Winfrey congratulates Milken Educators in heartwarming video message as 'light in this world'

April 21, 2022

Santa Monica, Calif., — To advance education, Jenna O'Driscoll believes you need to be all in – and today's event to honor her was just that. Before cheering students, appreciative colleagues, local and state education officials, and journalists, Merrill Park Elementary School's principal became a recipient of a national Milken Educator Award – and a $25,000 cash prize that O'Driscoll can use however she wishes. 

O'Driscoll had no idea she was planning her own celebration until the announcement was made by Milken Educator Awards Senior Program Director Greg Gallagher and Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Michael F. Rice at today's assembly.

"Talented educators are America's heroes," Gallagher said. "In the face of a global pandemic, their commitment and contribution have been more evident than ever. Jenna O'Driscoll embodies the spirit of the Milken Educator Award – excellence in practice, leadership, and the ability to inspire students, colleagues and the community at large. Congratulations!"

O'Driscoll is among more than 60 educators nationwide who will receive the Award during the 2021-22 school year. She is the first recipient from Saginaw Public Schools. 

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The Awards are not designated for lifetime achievement. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the Award. 

"Jenna O'Driscoll is a model educator who exemplifies what is best about Michigan public schools," said Dr. Rice. "She is devoted to her students, community, and fellow-educators and has built a career by helping children grow academically and driving improvements in the teaching of math, reading, and science. Ms. O'Driscoll is a proud Michigan educator who represents how a fulfilling career in teaching can improve the lives of young people and have a positive impact on our world." 

Oprah, a longtime education advocate, shared her congratulations to this year's recipients in a video message thanking "the most incredible educators around the country" and acknowledging her deep appreciation for the "tireless work" they do. 

More About Jenna O'Driscoll 

A teacher's principal: O'Driscoll has worked in the Saginaw Public School District since 2010. She previously taught second grade at nearby Jessie Loomis Elementary. O'Driscoll had a relationship with most of the students in the building, and teachers from other grade levels often sent her pupils who needed extra help or a listening ear. In her own classroom, O'Driscoll planned innovative, engaging lessons and activities that included cooperative learning strategies, flexible grouping and data-driven interventions to address learning gaps. Her students thrived as a result, consistently delivering some of the district's highest growth on reading and math assessments. 

Prepared to Lead: O'Driscoll chaired Loomis' School Improvement Leadership Team, served as the school's High Quality chairperson, and worked on the family engagement team, student council committee and social committee. She helped create common district assessments and supervised Loomis’ first virtual summer school program for elementary students. O'Driscoll helped design the school's K-2 "Power Hour" to offer extra assistance and enrichment in reading and math, and led after-school programs in robotics and reading. 

Building Community: O'Driscoll makes community-building a priority, getting to know families and understanding their needs. At Loomis, she helped organize evening events for families around math, science and reading, with record attendance thanks to her positive attitude. O'Driscoll has partnered with a local church, inspiring members to donate shoes and clothing, read with students in the classroom, and even serve as crossing guards.

Education: O'Driscoll earned a bachelor's in elementary education in 2009 and a master's in educational leadership in 2018 from Saginaw Valley State University.

More About the Milken Educator Awards: "The future belongs to the educated."

Along with the financial prize, Milken Educator Award recipients join the national Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,800 top teachers, principals and specialists. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others dedicated to excellence in education.

• In June, honorees will also attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to increase their impact on K-12 education. In addition, they will learn about how to become involved in the Milken Friends Forever (MFFs) mentoring program, in which freshman Milken Educators receive personalized coaching and support from a Milken Educator veteran on ways to elevate their instructional practice and take an active role in educational leadership, policy and practice.
• Over the years, more than $140 million in funding, including $70 million for the individual cash awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients' careers. 
• Veteran Milken Educators frequently go on to serve in leadership roles at state, national and international levels. 
• "We find you. You don't find us!" Unlike most teacher recognition programs, the Milken Educator Awards initiative has no formal nomination or application process. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then reviewed by blue ribbon panels in each state. The most exceptional candidates are recommended for the award, with final selection made by the Milken Family Foundation. 
• The $25,000 cash award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. For instance, some have spent the funds on their children's or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.  

To get regular updates on the surprise Milken Educator Award events or to watch the award events unfold, follow and use the #MilkenAward hashtag on Facebook (@MilkenEducatorAwards), Twitter (@Milken), YouTube (/MilkenAward), Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn) and TikTok (@MilkenAward).

For more information, visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772.

About the Milken Educator Awards
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation 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. The initiative was created by the Milken Family Foundation, which celebrates 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

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