Arkansas Blog

EDUCATION DEPT. NEWS RELEASE

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Middle school mathematics teacher Telisa Hadley was greeted with cheers when she was honored as a 2009 Milken Family Foundation National Educator during a surprise assembly at Rose City Middle School this afternoon. As part of the award, Hadley received an unrestricted financial prize of $25,000.
 
Arkansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Tom W. Kimbrell and Gov. Mike Beebe presented the award to Hadley along with Gary Stark of the Milken Family Foundation and North Little Rock Superintendent Ken Kirspel.
 
“It is always wonderful to recognize the state’s outstanding teachers,” Dr. Kimbrell said. “Milken winners are always terrific examples of the teaching profession, and Ms. Hadley certainly is.”
 
Hadley teaches Pre-Advanced Placement Geometry, Pre-Advanced Placement Algebra I and Ramp-Up to Mathematics. The vast majority of her geometry and algebra I students score proficient or better on the state’s End of Course Exams in those subjects. In addition, she has served as the mathematics content chairperson, as an America’s Choice leadership team member and on the Arkansas Department of Education’s Benchmark Cut Score Committee. She has served as a Pathwise mentor for beginning teachers and was selected Rose City Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for the 2007-2008 school year.
 
Up to 80 educators across the country are being recognized for their outstanding work with the awards at surprise ceremonies this fall. In addition to the cash prizes, all Milken National Educators will be recognized at a national gala and awards ceremony in the spring. National Educator Award winners also become members of the Milken Educator Network, a coalition of educators who provide expert resources and serve as partners to network members and policymakers as they help cultivate and expand innovative programs in their classrooms, schools and districts.
 
Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-founder Lowell Milken created these awards to recognize, celebrate and attract the highest caliber school professionals. Since the program’s inception, more than $60 million in cash prizes have been awarded to 2,400-plus educators.