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Webster Groves NEA member wins 2009 Milken National Educator Award

Webster Groves NEA member Eric Dunn went to the gymnasium at Webster Groves High School with his students this morning expecting to hear a speech from the state’s new commissioner of education. He was probably a little distracted, since his wife is in the hospital and has just given birth to their second child.

So it was a shocking and emotional moment for Dunn, the students, staff and dignitaries in the gym when his name was called out and the surprise announcement was made: Dunn is the recipient of the 2009 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The honor includes an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.

The award was presented by Dr. Jane Foley, vice president of the Milken Family Foundation, based in Santa Monica, CA. Dunn is Missouri’s only recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award this year.

Dunn has taught mathematics at Webster Groves High School for 12 years. He consistently receives top evaluations from his students, and he is a leader on various school and district committees. He is respected for his ability to work with all types of students and to help them succeed in his math classes.

According to Dr. Jon Clark, principal of the high school, MAP test scores and Advanced Placement scores have increased steadily during Dunn’s tenure. Outside the classroom, Dunn is the leader of the school’s popular a cappella men’s choir, known as A-MEN. The group has recorded several CDs and performs frequently in the community.

“What sets Mr. Dunn apart is his ability to allow students the act of self-discovery with real-life examples, humor and passion, yet hold them to the highest expectations,” Clark wrote in nominating Dunn for the award.

The Milken National Educator Award is given to classroom teachers, principals and other public school professionals who are providing exemplary leadership in their schools and communities and working to promote excellence in public education.

“Highly effective educators are the human capital that will equip America’s youth in this increasingly competitive global economy. By shining a national spotlight on these exceptional people, the Milken Educator Awards send a powerful message of the critical role that talented teachers play in preparing young people for a bright future,” said Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, in a prepared statement about this year’s awards.

The 2009 recipients also will receive an expense-paid trip to Los Angeles next spring for the annual Milken Educator Forum. All of the honorees will receive their $25,000 awards at that time.

Missouri has participated in the Milken National Educator Award program since 1996. A total of 41 Missouri educators in public schools have received the award since that time.
For more information about the foundation and the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.mff.org/mea.

Raytown member motivates algebra students with NEA Foundation Grant

Raytown NEA member Lea Ann Pitcher will receive an NEA financial boost in her algebra class this fall. She is one of 51 recipients nationwide to receive a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation.

By using a student response “clicker” system, algebra students at Raytown High School will get immediate feedback and will be able to keep track of their progress on learning objectives. Using interactive technology, teachers will use their daily opening and closing questions to check for student understanding and motivate students to be accountable for their learning.

The foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area. The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.

Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged.

Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students.

Applications, which may be submitted at any time, are reviewed three times per year. Deadlines are Feb. 1, June 1 and Oct. 15. Find more information on grants from the NEA Foundation at www.neafoundation.org.

sb, winter '09