Teacher Wins Big Prize for Inspiring Students

A private school teacher in Los Angeles has been honored with a national teaching award that comes with a $25, 000 cash prize. The award, known as the “Oscar of Teaching, ” is given to educators who show exceptional skill and passion in the classroom. Only two teachers in California received this award this year, making the recognition even more special. The ceremony took place during a morning assembly at Milken Community School. The founder of the award, Lowell Milken, announced the winner and praised her dedication to student learning. He highlighted that the best teachers are chosen by research and experience, not by application. The awardee teaches history and art to students from sixth through twelfth grade. Her lessons blend modern world topics, Jewish heritage, U. S. history, and art studies. She is described as intelligent, caring, committed, and firm in her belief that every student can succeed.Milken’s program selects 30 educators nationwide each year, looking at teachers in every city. The award is unique because it is the first time a Jewish high school teacher has been honored at the national level. The recipient can use the money for any purpose she chooses. The teacher expressed gratitude to her colleagues and especially to her students, who motivate her each day. She said that teaching is a full‑time commitment of the whole self and that inspiring students is the greatest reward. Her innovative approach has revitalized the school’s advanced placement art history program by adding guest lectures and museum visits, sparking many students’ interest in pursuing art history at college.