November 22, 2005
Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Congratulates Two Teachers
From Los Angeles County for Receiving National Educator Award
LOS ANGELES COUNTY — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated two California teachers from Los Angeles County as they received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
Mathew McClenahan, a mathematics and social studies teacher at High Tech High School in Lake Balboa, and James Orihuela, a Spanish-language arts teacher at Cecil B. DeMille Middle School in Long Beach, were presented the awards during separate, surprise assemblies at their respective schools.
"I extremely impressed by the accomplishments of both these outstanding educators and am proud that their exemplary work is being acknowledged in the national spotlight," O'Connell said. "It is only fitting that they receive such a distinguished, prestigious award for their many significant contributions that not only dramatically improve student achievement, but their students' futures as well."
The award, given each year to a maximum of 100 secondary teachers, principals, and specialists throughout the nation, includes a $25,000 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the annual Milken National Education Conference next May.
"Mr. McClenahan is an innovative, inspiring teacher who brings to the classroom the kinds of advances in technology that keep his students energized and engaged. His teaching style is one of dedication, motivation, and expectation," O'Connell said.
"Mr. Orihuela is a teacher's teacher who has earned the respect of students, parents, and colleagues. A mentor, gifted educator, and a true believer in a child's ability to learn, his extraordinary abilities allow his students to discover within themselves the potential he already sees," said O'Connell.
Teachers are recommended for this award program without their knowledge by their respective state departments of education. There is no formal nomination process. Teachers 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 what has become the country's 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 that time, the Foundation has given more than $54 million in awards to more than 2,100 educators across the nation.
"I would like to extend my appreciation to the Milken Family Foundation," O'Connell said. "I've seen firsthand how much this award means to these diligent, dedicated teachers."
For more information, please contact the Milken Family Foundation at 310-570-4773 or visit Milken Family Foundation [http://www.mff.org] (Outside Source).
Mathew McClenahan can be reached at High Tech High, 818-609-2640.
James Orihuela can be reached at Cecil B. DeMille Middle School, 562-421-8424.
