Milken Educator Awards

The Milken Educator Awards provide recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 each to exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and other specialists who are furthering excellence in our nation’s schools. Each year, awards are presented to some of America’s finest K-12 educators. The largest teacher recognition program in the U.S., the Milken Educator Awards were created to reward, retain and attract the highest quality K-12 educators to the profession. Each Milken Educator receives an unrestricted financial award of $25,000.

History

The Milken Educator Awards program was established by the Milken Family Foundation in 1985. The first Awards were presented in 1987. Iowa joined the Milken Educator Awards Program in 1993.

National Statistics

• Over $75 million presented in cash awards to recipients
• More than 3,000 Awards have been given

Iowa Statistics

• $25,000 to be awarded in Iowa
• 48 recipients since program began in Iowa
• $1,200,000 awarded in Iowa since joining the program in 1993

Milken Educator Network

The Milken Educator Network, composed of more than 3,000 Milken Educators from across the nation, serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards, and others shaping the future of education.

Milken Family Foundation

The Milken Family Foundation was established by Michael and Lowell Milken in 1982 with the mission to discover and advance inventive and effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives. The means most conducive to achieving these goals is through education. In addition to the Milken Educator Awards, affiliated initiatives include the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, among many.