A school assembly turned into quite the surprise for a Grandview High School teacher, the recipient of the Milken Educator Award.
Lisa Rodgers, a 12-year veteran science teacher at Grandview High School, was the recipient of the prestigious educator award, worth $25,000. Forty-five such awards are given out by the Milken Foundation every year, and Rodgers is the only winner from Colorado in 2017.Film has the Oscar™, music has the Grammy™, science has the Nobel and sports has its gold medals, but what about the true unsung heroes on the frontlines of shaping our future? Where is the recognition for our nation’s educators? Enter Lowell Milken and the Milken Educator Awards," the foundation's website states.A ninth grade physical science and advanced placement biology teacher, Rodgers was sitting in the back of the gym with other teachers at the time her name was called, completely unaware that she was even being considered for the award. Her students' advanced placement test scores are among the highest in the district, according to Cherry Creek School Superintendent Harry Bull, and she is well-deserving, having gone above and beyond to incorporate technology into her classroom and create hands-on activities that inspire a passion for science among her students.
Rodgers has also presented at the regional National Science Teachers Association conference, and taught at the Denver Zoo, the Denver Post reported.
Recipients of the Milken Educator Award can use the $25,000 award to help them further their degree, establish a scholarship, or plan a field trip for their students. The foundation specifically looks to reward educators in the middle of their careers who have already achieved a lot but could use additional funding and inspiration to keep making a difference in the future. Teachers cannot apply for the honor; the nomination process is super-secretive, confidential, and selective.
Grandview High School is located in Aurora, in the Cherry Creek School District.
Congratulations to Lisa Rodgers for winning the Milken Educator Award! What a tremendous honor, and we are proud of you!