Latest news with #OscarsofTeaching
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Massachusetts science teacher gets prestigious national award
Southbridge teacher Jillian Lombardi has been named as the only teacher in Massachusetts to receive the Milken Educator Award in the 2024-25 season, state officials said Friday. The prestigious national honor also comes with a check for $25,000 that Lombardi, who teaches science to sixth graders, can use however she chooses. 'Jillian Lombardi sparks curiosity, excitement and a genuine love of learning in her hands-on classroom,' Greg Gallagher, Milken Family Foundation senior program director, said in a statement. 'Her enthusiastic approach to education is contagious, and it is just one of the many ways she will contribute to the national Milken Educator Network. Congratulations, Jillian!' Lombardi joins over 3,000 Milken educators spanning the awards' nearly 40-year history. 'Hailed as the 'Oscars of Teaching,' the Milken Educator Awards inspire educators, students and entire communities to 'Celebrate, Elevate and Activate' the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career,' officials said. More than $75 million in monetary prizes and more than $145 million have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall. 'I could not be happier to see Jillian Lombardi recognized with this honor,' said Acting DESE Commissioner Russell Johnston. 'I have visited her classroom, I know the outstanding work she has done with OpenSciEd and I know she is a wonderful representative of all the Southbridge and Massachusetts educators who believe in their students and work so hard for them every day.' Officials said Lombardi maintains high expectations for herself and her students and supports them in reaching their potential. Officials said Lombardi is known to make home calls to ensure students are diligent in completing their homework and serves as an advisor for students who need additional academic assistance. Her firm yet nurturing approach pays off. Her tennis team earned the 'best academic achievement for a sports team honor,'' officials said. In her Student Advisory Group, officials said Lombardi increased the percentage of students completing homework from two-thirds to 83%, and she has supported the middle school's schoolwide math goals by leading a daily math intervention and increasing math proficiency with her students on the iReady diagnostic year over year. 'She also makes interdisciplinary skills a priority, working with math and English language arts teachers on lessons that transfer learning from the classroom to the real world,' officials said. Lombardi will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April. Lombardi earned her bachelor's degree in animal science in 2017 from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree in education in 2021 from the American International College in Massachusetts. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Honolulu teacher wins prestigious educational award
HONOLULU (KHON2) — One of the best educators in the country teaches at Kalihi Uka Elementary School, and received the prestigious Milken Educator teacher Kristy Inamasu joins over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the 40-year history of the award. Often noted as the 'Oscars of Teaching,' the Milken Educator Awards inspire communities to 'Celebrate, Elevate and Activate' the K-12 teaching profession, and encourage young people to become teachers. Inamasu was awarded for her studentsʻ courageous learning, as well as her classroom engagement tactics. Her kindergarteners share their thoughts and ideas, participate in group work and take ownership of their academic responsibilities. She was also one of the first teachers at the school to record herself teaching a lesson, sharing it with her colleagues so that they may use it as a teaching tool. Under Inamasuʻs leadership, her students have achieved significant growth in reading and math, exceeding their academic goals year after year. She has also provided ESL student support and previously served as a first grade teacher. Inamasu is also involved as a member of the schoolʻs Instructional Leadership Team and School Community Council, a volunteer volleyball coach and a district presenter. Her classroom is noted as a training and observation destination by teachers of all experience levels, administrators and student teachers. 'Kristy is an exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners, giving them the foundation learning qualities needed for future success,' Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. 'Her collaborative work with her fellow teachers has also guided institutional decision-making to the benefit of the entire school, helping all of Kalihi Uka's students to rise together. Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way.' Inamasu will be rewarded with a cash prize, mentorship opportunities and attend the awards forum in Los Angeles in April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
