October 18, 2007

LANSING, Mich. – Mr. David Robinson, a computer-aided drafting program teacher at Randolph Career and Technical High School in Detroit Public Schools, received news today of a $25,000 cash award – no strings attached - during a visit to the school from Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation, Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan, and members of the State Board of Education as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s National Educator Awards Program.

“David Robinson is an exceptional teacher and leader.” Flanagan said. “He seeks out learning opportunities for his students. He is a great role model for all students.”

From the state capital, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said: “I feel honored to recognize David as an outstanding Michigan educator, a teacher who is always striving to give more to his students” said Granholm. “I think of Michigan’s dedicated teachers as heroes and see David Robinson as a hero among heroes.

Robinson is one of only 80 teachers nationwide this year to receive the Milken National Educator Award, dubbed the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine. This marks the 21st anniversary of recognizing excellence in education by the Milken Family Foundation.

Research shows that the single most important school-based factor impacting student achievement is having a talented teacher in the classroom. The difference between an effective and ineffective teacher can be a full grade level of student achievement in a single year.

Award Criteria

Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken National Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Without their knowledge, educators are recommended for this prestigious honor by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state’s Department of Education.

Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
  
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
  
• Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
  
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
  

Recipients are presented with their unrestricted $25,000 award checks at the spring Milken National Education Conference in Los Angeles, California

For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, and the surprise notification events held throughout the United States, please access the Milken Family Foundation website at www.mff.org or contact them at 310-570-4775.