PORTLAND (AP) – Two teachers from neighboring school districts in coastal Maine got a big surprise when they showed up at assemblies at their respective schools.
Melissa Noack, an art teacher at Yarmouth High School, and Alex Briasco-Brin, a math teahcer at Freeport Middle School, learned that the gatherings Monday were staged to present each of them with a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award for their outstanding work.
In making the presentations, Jane Foley of the California-based Milken Family Foundation said one teacher has the power to influence the lives of thousands of young people.
The foundation instituted the awards two decades ago to recognize exceptional educators and to encourage young people to become teachers.
“This award is so big it has been called the Oscar of teaching,” Foley said. Winners will receive their checks at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next May and can use the money however they wish.
About 100 teachers were selected to receive the awards this year, bringing the total to more than 2,100 since the program began.
Noack, 39, gasped in disbelief when Foley called her name. She said she and her husband might use the money to put an addition on their home.
Briasco-Brin, 38, said he is unsure what he and his wife will do with the money. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said.
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