Jefferson City News

Leah Lawrence, a seventh-grade English Language Arts teacher at Hardin Middle School in the City of St. Charles School District, has been awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This national recognition comes with an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000 and is part of a long-standing initiative by the Milken Family Foundation to honor exceptional educators.

The Milken Educator Awards have been recognizing excellence in education for over 35 years. Known as the "Oscars of Teaching," these awards are designed to reward outstanding K-12 educators for their teaching quality, professional leadership, community engagement, and potential for further contributions to children's development.

"Leah Lawrence’s adaptability in the classroom is unmatched," said Stephanie Bishop, Vice President of Milken Educator Awards and a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. "Leah’s ever-evolving variety of instructional strategies serves her in providing high-quality, engaging instruction to meet student needs."

Missouri's Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven expressed excitement about Lawrence's recognition: “We are thrilled to have the Milken Family Foundation recognize one of Missouri’s exceptional teachers with this award.”

Lawrence creates an engaging learning environment where students work collaboratively and assess their own learning. Her innovative methods include using Play-Doh creations to teach writing processes, allowing students to learn without fear of making mistakes.

Beyond her classroom duties, Lawrence serves as the ELA department chair at her school and mentors new teachers while also participating on the school climate committee. Her leadership roles allow her to influence school-wide lessons and improve school functions.

Lawrence holds a bachelor's degree in English education (2007), a master's degree in education (2021), and an education specialist degree in school administration (2016).

The Milken Educator Award not only provides financial recognition but also includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network. Recipients attend an all-expenses-paid forum where they network with other top educators and participate in mentorship programs like Milken Friends Forever.

Since its inception in 1987, the program has awarded $75 million in prizes and invested over $144 million into professional development opportunities within its national network. The awards aim to empower recipients to inspire others toward teaching careers through initiatives like "Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate."

Unlike typical teacher recognitions, candidates for this award cannot apply or know they are being considered; selections are made through confidential processes involving state-appointed panels.

For more information about Leah Lawrence's achievements or details on the awards program itself, visit www.MilkenEducatorAwards.org.