MADISON, AL (WAFF) -
Today in Madison, the Milken Family Foundation presented the National Educator Award to Bob Jones High School Teacher Jeremy Raper. The announcement came during the 25th annual coast-to-coast tour to reward top educators with more than $1.3 million in cash awards. Raper never expected the award or the $25,000 check presented with the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, the "Education Oscar."
The unsuspecting teacher from the Madison City School System was presented with the 2011 Milken Educator Award at a surprise schoolwide assembly disguised as an event to commend the school on being named to the Washington Post's list of "America's Best High Schools". Presented by Governor Robert Bentley, Senior Vice President of Milken Educator Awards Dr. Jane Foley and Larry Craven, Interim State Superintendent, the award honors the exceptional work of educators as a model for the state and nation.
The Milken Family Foundation's 25th annual National Notifications Tour is honoring more than 40 outstanding educators and is the nation's largest teacher recognition program. The entire school gathered to hear the extraordinary news that one of their own would receive an unrestricted $25,000 financial reward.
Craven praised Alabama's 2011 Milken Educator by saying, "Raper is a wonderful example of what all teachers in Alabama can accomplish with drive and creativity. He offers to our students the best of what quality instruction can give. We honor him today with this exclusive award".
Raper teaches engineering, physics and other related courses at Bob Jones High School and has been described as "intelligent, self-motivated and compassionate for each learner's ability and desire to learn" by fellow co-workers. He is the guiding force for the Engineering for Tomorrow Academy at Bob Jones, which helps prepare students for college level courses and offers them advanced learning opportunities. He is often observed "leading teachers in the instructional initiatives and strategies". Raper believes in leading by example and is often quoted as saying "Never ask anyone to do something that you are unwilling to do yourself".
Each year the Milken Family Foundation travels from coast to coast surprising teachers, principals and specialists with $25,000 awards because they are furthering excellence in education. Since Alabama joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1998, 29 Alabama educators have received the "Education Oscar" and a total of $725,000.
The "Education Oscar" recognizes teacher-leaders in the early to middle part of their careers who are innovative and effective. There is a rigorous and confidential selection process. Teachers cannot apply for the award. They are nominated by their peers.
Educators are recommended without their knowledge to the Milken Family Foundation by an independent blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education. Awards alternate yearly between elementary and secondary educators. In recognizing these outstanding teachers with $25,000, the Foundation hopes to raise public awareness that high-quality teachers are essential to student achievement. The award was developed to reward, retain and attract the highest quality K-12 teachers.
Raper joins the Milken Educator Network, a nationwide coalition of more than 2,500 top educators who have access to a variety of professional resources to help cultivate and expand innovative programs in their classrooms, schools and districts.
Information from Department of Education news release.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WSFA, a Raycom Media Station. 