Thursday, October 7, 2010

Milken Family Foundation Awards Maize Educator

It doesn't surprise me that Kansas had a winner from the Milken Family Foundation 'Oscar of Teaching' awards announced recently.

One of 55 educators in the country, she was the only one from Kansas to be awarded the loftly title and gift. She also says that her job is the best job in the world. Something you would expect from one of the best in the country.

During a surprise assembly on Oct. 6 Jeanie Padron, a 4th grade teacher at Maize Central Elementary, found out she was one of the best in the country when she was awarded the national award and $25,000 to go along with it. "I am honored beyond honored" she said. She also added her reward was seeing the kids in her class grow from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.

Every morning students in her class dance to get their bodies ready for the school day. It's a way to get kids excited about the knowledge they are about to receive at Maize Central Elementary, which sits right in the middle of Maize, Kansas. The classroom she has created is loaded with positive energy where students learn through the power of creative and physical activity.

She also keeps active professionally with additional duties at Maize Central, she announces the school's pep rallies and assemblies, serves on her district's Social Studies curriculum task force and is on the transition team of the Multi Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) leadership team.

Jeanie is another example of the great people we have working with our students in Kansas. I am very proud of her even though I don't know her personally, I know she sets the standard her colleagues throughout the state.

As for her winnings she plans to throw a pizza party for her class, buy some school supplies, take a trip to Hawaii and give some money to her mom who inspired her to become a teacher.

Congratulations Jeanie your Kansas educators are proud of you and what you do for kids!