Today, a New Iberia public school teacher, Stephanie Judice, learned in a surprise ceremony that she is the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award. In addition to earning the national distinction, Ms. Judice received a $25,000 cash award during a school assembly at New Iberia Senior High School.

Ms. Judice teaches English and Fine Arts Survey at two schools in Iberia Parish – New Iberia High School and Westgate High School. She has 12 years of teaching experience and is a graduate of Louisiana State University. Ms. Judice also received a Master’s Degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“Too often, one of the most influential people in a child’s education – the child’s teacher - remains unrecognized,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “This award serves to publicize the hard work and commitment of educators and highlights some of our most dedicated teachers.”

Lowell Milken created the Milken Educator Awards in 1987 to provide public recognition of educators across the country and to encourage talented and creative people to choose teaching as a career. Milken is also the creator of TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, which offers teachers multiple career paths and performance-based compensation. TAP was implemented in Louisiana in 2003-04, and this school year 41 schools statewide participate in the program.

The Milken Educator Awards will be presented to 53 teachers across the country during the 2009-10 school year. Teachers receiving the award can use the $25,000 cash prize in any way they wish. Award winners are invited to the annual Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference in Los Angeles.

Teachers are not nominated for the award. Rather, the Milken Foundation seeks out educators from across the country who demonstrate the qualities of world-class teachers. Among the criteria for selection are:

• Exceptional educational talent, as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and schools;
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
• Contributions to education that are largely unheralded, yet worthy of the spotlight;
• Strong long-range potential by early-to-mid-career educators for professional and policy leadership; and
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community

The award alternates between elementary and secondary educators each year.

For more information on the Milken Educator Awards, go to www.mff.org

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