SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated the fourth California educator this year to receive a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Michelle Leipelt is third grade teacher at Louis Milani Elementary School in the Newark Unified School District , Alameda County . Leia pelt learned she received the Milken award during a surprise assembly today at her school. She is one of 100 educators across the nation presented with this award this year. Cyndi Paik of Orange (Third Educator Receives Prestigious Award - Year 2004), Davide Busetti of Santa Ana (Santa Ana Teacher Receives Milken Award - Year 2004), and Christine Wood of Bakersfield (Second Teacher wins Milken Award - Year 2004) were given the same awards this fall.

"Ms. Leipelt brings enormous energy to her classroom that helps foster student inquiry and motivates them to learn," said O'Connell. "Much praise should also go to the Milken Family Foundation for honoring the very best educators in California and around the nation."

Leipelt is described by her colleagues as being an amazing educator with strong organizational skills. Leipelt's teaching methods have turned her classroom into a model for others. Many observers have visited her classroom and videotaped her teaching to help further hone the skills of other professionals.

Educators are considered for this prestigious honor without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education. They are judged on factors such as exceptional educational talent that is evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession; outstanding accomplishments and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and having an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community at large.

Lowell Milken is the chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. He created the largest teacher recognition program, the National Educator Awards, in 1985 to celebrate the nation's most outstanding teachers, principals, and specialists in K-12 education. Since the program's inception, a total of 2,077 educators in 47 states and the District of Columbia have been recognized and received $50 million in Foundation awards. For more information, please visit Milken Family Foundation [http://www.mff.org] (Outside Source).

Leipelt will receive an unrestricted $25,000 award. She may be reached at Louis Milani Elementary at 510-818-3601.