Milken Awards

The Milken 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.

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;
  • Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
  • Early- to mid-career educators who offer 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

​

 ​Michaela Lamarre, 2015 Milken Award recipient

In the photo: Michaela Lamarre, an eighth-grade science teacher at Saco Middle School is congratulated by students on Dec. 10, 2015, after learning she won the Milken Educator Award for 2015. Watch a video from the notification ceremony. | Read the press release announcing the award.

​		   ​

 Adam Parvanta, 2019 Milken Recipient

In the photo: Adam Parvanta, a technology integrator at Gorham High School was surprised during an all-school assembly on October 30, 2019. Watch a video from the notification ceremony. | Read the press release announcing the award.

​

Contact

Marcus Mrowka
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 207-629-8759
Email: Marcus.Mrowka@Maine.gov