Morgan Cuthbert, a Harrison Middle School teacher in Yarmouth, is congratulated by students after learning he won the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award for 2011.Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards

The Milken Family Foundation Educator Award recognizes exemplary educators with an unrestricted, $25,000 award presented at a surprise school assembly.

This award -- funded by the Santa Monica, Ca.-based Milken Family Foundation -- has no formal nomination or application process. The Maine Department of Education appoints an independent, blue ribbon committee to recommend candidates who meet the Foundation's criteria.

The award alternates each year between honoring teachers of grades K-5 and 6-12.

The Milken Family Foundation makes the final selections.

In the photo: Morgan Cuthbert, a seventh-grade math and science teacher at Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth, is congratulated by students on Oct. 24, 2011, after learning he won the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award for 2011. Watch a video of the award presentation. | Read the press release announcing the award.

Criteria for Selection

The Milken Family Foundation sets the following criteria for recipients of the Foundation's Educator Award:

  • Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
  • Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
  • Strong, long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
  • Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

More Information

Contact

Jennifer Pooler
Milken Educator Award Coordinator
207-624-6638
jennifer.pooler@maine.gov