But there are 3 million teachers in this country. So if you're one of those 145 teachers, you are really something. The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program is designed to give public recognition to outstanding elementary and secondary teachers and principals who make important contributions to excellence in education. The program began 15 years ago with only one state participating, Solmon said. It has grown to include 42 states with another state being added next year, Solmon said.
States have to apply to get into the program.
You are not going to be accepted unless you have a pool of qualified educators in your state. It is growing. The actual receipt of the cash award, as well as the trip, are contingent upon changes in state law dealing with gifts to public officials expected to be enacted in the 2001 Arkansas Legislative session, said Ray Simon, director of the Arkansas Department of Education. Sutton is a 1986 graduate of the University of Arkansas. She has taught at Alma Primary School of 14 years.