The Nationally recognized Milken Award was given to two up and coming educators in Louisiana recently. The first was Devon Willis-Jones, a principal at Jeanerette Elementary in Iberia Parish. The second was Catherine Randall, a third-grade teacher at Joseph J. Davies Elementary in St. Bernards Parish. Both educators were given the award during a school assembly where they were surprised with the award.
The Milken Awards for excellence have been given out now for 30 years. “Teacher” magazine calls the “the Oscars of teaching.” The Foundation recognizes up, and coming Principals, and teachers The Milken Awards are given to about 35 educators nationwide. Along with the award, they receive a $25,000 prize and public recognition.
Let’s take a look at both of these great educators, and why they were given the prestigious award. First, there is Devon Willis-Jones from Jeanerette Elementary in Iberia Parish. She is the principal of the school. When she took over the reigns at Jeanerette Elementary their report card grade was an F. She made it her personal mission to change that grade! She developed a research-driven plan called “Success and nothing less.” She even enrolled her daughter into the school to reinforce her commitment to the school.
Her commitment to the school paid off. Her first year at the school showed major increases in student achievement on the state assessments. She raised the overall report card from an F to a B in one school year. Her school was labeled a “TopGain” school by the department of education!
The second educator awarded the Milken Award in Louisiana was Catherine Randall, a third-grade teacher at Joseph J. Davies Elementary in St. Bernards Parish. Catherine was one of many educators in St. Bernard who helped rebuild the school and district after Hurricane Katrina.
Catherine’s dedication to her students can be seen in the results of the 2015 PARCC assessments. Her class scored 100% on the Math Assessment! All students were Advanced Proficient on the exam. Her class score for ELA was also excellent with 97%. Considering the school is a Title 1 school with a 70% poverty rate, these high percentile ranges are amazing… Catherine’s school has also been given the distinction of being a Blue Ribbon school. Raising scores to such high levels propelled her to get the prestigious award!
Dedication and innovation can be seen in both of these great Louisiana educators and sets a benchmark for other educators to follow around the country. Congratulations to both Devon and Catherine for all they have accomplished in their schools and districts!
Referenced links: http://www.mff.org/newsroom/press-releases/view/iberia-parish-principal-devon-willis-jones-wins-milken-award-25000
http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/catherine-randall
