October 6, 2009
LANSING - Matthew Reid, a teacher at Wenona Center in Bay City Public Schools, received news today of a $25,000 cash award - no strings attached - during a visit to the school from Jane Foley, Milken Family Foundation Senior Vice President; State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan; and members of the State Board of Education as part of the Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Awards Program.
 
"Matt Reid is an outstanding teacher." Flanagan said.  "He is a champion for his students.  He inspires and values each one.  His ability to work with at-risk students provides a safe harbor for each of them."

From the state capital, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said: "I am honored to recognize Matt as an outstanding Michigan educator who takes justifiable pride in his profession.  How fortunate we are that Matt is a Michigan teacher.  I think of the dedicated teachers of Michigan as heroes and see Mr. Reid as a hero among heroes."

Reid is one of more than 50 teachers nationwide this year to receive the Milken National Educator Award, dubbed the "Oscars of Teaching" by Teacher Magazine. This marks the 23rd anniversary of recognizing excellence in education by the Milken Family Foundation.

Research shows that the single most important school-based factor impacting student achievement is having a talented teacher in the classroom. The difference between an effective and ineffective teacher can be a full grade level of student achievement in a single year, according to the Milken Family Foundation.

Award Criteria
Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken National Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process.  Educators are recommended for this prestigious honor without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's Department of Education.

Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
• Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
• Early-to mid-career educators who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.