November 30, 2005
Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Congratulates Sacramento
Teacher for Receiving Prestigious National Educator Award
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated Suzanne Scotten, an Albert Einstein Middle School teacher, who received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award during a surprise ceremony in the school gym.
"Suzanne Scotten is a remarkable teacher whose exceptional efforts have made all the difference to her students and to her school," said O'Connell. "She is also a friend and mentor to educators new to the profession and has helped them gain valuable insight into what it takes to be a valued member of this vital profession. I am thrilled that her accomplishments are being acknowledged in the national spotlight."
Scotten has been an eighth grade Language Arts teacher and yearbook and journalism advisor at Albert Einstein Middle School in the Rosemont community of Sacramento since 2000.
The award, given each year to a maximum of 100 top 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 in May.
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."
On November 22, the Milken Family Foundation honored two other California teachers. 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 surprise assemblies at their respective schools.
For more information, please contact the Milken Family Foundation at 310-570-4773 or visit Milken Family Foundation [http://www.mff.org] (Outside Source).
Suzanne Scotten can be reached at Albert Einstein Middle School, 916-228-5800.
