ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. — A Slidell high school science teacher was awarded $25k by the Milken Family Foundation Wednesday.
Kelly Ryan was surprised with the Milken Educator Award by the foundation's founder, Lowell Milken, for "Oscar of Teaching", helping her 11th and 12th grade students prepare for their bright futures.
“Kelly Ryan’s commitment to academic rigor and growth inspires her students to rise to those same expectations,” said Lowell Milken.
She is one of up to 75 recipients across the country this year to get the award and the third in Louisiana, with Christine Bayard of Johnston-Hopkins Elementary School in the Iberia Parish School District and Derrick Winn of Crestworth Elementary School in the East Baton Rouge Public School System having received their Awards on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
The Milken Educator Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education.
Ryan is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, earning a Bachelor and Master of biological sciences in 2009 and 2012, respectively. She is an active member of Northshore’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) that drives professional development and support on campus, a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Northshore High.
Along with the founder, the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, was there to honor Ryan.
“Ms. Ryan epitomizes excellence in education through her dynamic approach to teaching science,” said Dr. Brumley. “Her impact extends beyond the classroom, whether she’s leading college prep workshops or serving on her school’s leadership team.”
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