Oneida teacher receives national educator award and $25,000 prize
ONEIDA, Tenn. (WATE) — An Oneida teacher was recognized Thursday for the role she plays in furthering excellence in our nation's schools.
The Milken Educator Award, presented by the Milken Family Foundation, is only given to 45 educators nationwide. Third grade teacher Stephanie Boshears at Oneida Elementary School was chosen for the work she does here in East Tennessee.
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'As soon as my name got called, instant tears, instant overwhelm, I really didn't even know what to think. In that moment, I was just so pleased and blessed that someone thought of me as an amazing teacher,' said Boshears.
As part of earning the Milken Educator Award, Boshears was awarded $25,000 unrestricted donation she can choose how to use. According to the Milken Family Foundation representative Joshua Barnett, receiving this award is like the 'Oscar of teaching.'
'It really is a reflection on what's happening in a community,' said Barnett, who is also the National Institute of Excellence in Teaching CEO. 'We know that education is a pathway to change opportunities for students and for communities.'
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With this award not only representing herself, but the community she grew up and learned in, Boshears said there is no better place to be a teacher.
'I feel like our superintendent, every person that I am surrounded by, I feel love from them, love for the kids. And who wouldn't want to work in a system where you know that everyone is out to better the children that are there and help grow their teachers?'
While this award celebrates her achievements, Barnett said it also creates a network for teachers to become mentors among each other, something Boshears said she hopes to be someday.
'I think my goal would be to step out of the classroom and actually help aspiring teachers,' she said. 'That's my biggest goal, is to help them learn and grow, and know that I took part in someone else's journey of helping kids.'
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Recipients for the Milken Educator Award are considered without their knowledge by a panel appointed by each state's department of education. The award originated to encourage education as a profession to advance ways to help people lead productive lives.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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