Gendron Presents $25,000 Milken Award to Real School Teacher

Commissioner GSue endron congratulates Rich Meserve

Gendron and Meserve's daughters help unveil the oversized check

Rich Meserve receives the prestigious award in front of students and colleagues

October 13, 2009

REPORTERS AND EDITORS: Downloadable photos from this event can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/education/news/images/

FALMOUTH – An alternative education teacher in his tenth year of teaching was surprised at a surprise all-school assembly Tuesday morning with the presentation of a prestigious national teaching award, and a check for $25,000. Maine Department of Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron presented the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award to Richard Meserve in front of students, colleagues, and local and state dignitaries at The REAL School in Falmouth. The REAL School, part of the Windham-Raymond School District (RSU 14), is a regional alternative education program for students with severe behavioral, emotional, and/or learning disabilities. The school has programs in both Windham and Falmouth and serves students in grades 7 through 12.

The Milken Educator Awards, conceived by Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken to attract, retain and motivate outstanding talent to the teaching profession, have grown to become the nation's largest teacher recognition program. Including this year’s selections, since 1987 over $60 million has been awarded to over 2,400 educators. New recipients will join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators, whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education.

Gendron said the prestigious award is a way of recognizing classroom teachers, whose work often goes unnoticed, but is always appreciated.

“Mr. Meserve is the quiet, but resolute, voice of support for students who have burned nearly every bridge,” said Gendron. “His willingness to always go the extra mile for students who challenge and push most people to their limits is a constant source of inspiration to everyone who works with him. He incorporates superhuman patience and unconditional love into his work with students; many of his colleagues refer to him as the ‘kid whisperer’.”

Gendron also read from a letter sent by Gov. John Baldacci, who was unable to participate in the event. He wrote: “On behalf of the people of Maine, congratulations to you for displaying the kind of imagination and leadership that gives children a sense of excitement, a thirst for knowledge and a real chance for success.”

Mr. Meserve received his BA in secondary education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2004, and is currently enrolled in Master’s level courses in special education and special education administration at the University of Southern Maine. He lives in Falmouth with his wife, Jennifer, and his daughters, Shannon, Katrina and Hannah.

For more information, visit the Maine Department of Education website: http://www.maine.gov/education

David Connerty-Marin | Communications Director | 207-624-6880
Jennifer Pooler | Teacher Recognition | 207-624-6638

Education Information

Contact Info

Gendron Presents $25,000 Milken Award to Real School Teacher