Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards

To Attract, Retain, and Motivate Talented People to the Challenge and Adventure of Teaching

2025 Winner - Shana Engel

• Read about the newest of Colorado's Milken Educators on the Milken Educator Awards website
• Shana Engel Named Colorado’s 2025 Milken Educator

Mountain Vista Community School sixth-grade math teacher Shana Engel shakes hands after winning the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

History

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program, sponsored by the Colorado Department of Education and the State Board of Education, provides public recognition and an unrestricted financial award of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education.

The Milken Educator Awards are announced in the fall of each year at surprise notifications, held in all-school assemblies. The chief state school officer makes the award announcement in the company of Foundation representatives and other dignitaries, including the Governor or first lady, as well as the electronic and print media.

New Colorado recipients are also honored at a Colorado State Board of Education meeting following their receipt of the award.

Criteria

Recipients are selected from outstanding educators who have distinguished themselves in the eyes of their peers, students and community by:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession
• Outstanding accomplishment and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

View more information about the Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards.

Caleb Flores, 2023 Milken Award Winner, at Greeley West High School