Fourth grade teacher Kristine Becker, of Logan Elementary, Seaman Unified School District 345 in Topeka, received the surprise of a lifetime on Wednesday, Jan. 19, when she was presented with a national Milken Educator Award by the Milken Family Foundation. 

The recognition comes with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and honors outstanding educators across the country for excellence in and out of the classroom. 

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson presented the award at a schoolwide assembly in front of cheering students, colleagues, local and state dignitaries and members of the media. 

The goal of Milken Educator Awards is to inspire and uplift the teaching profession with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners’ list will remain a secret until each award is announced. 

“Whether transformed into a court room, campfire ground or spy headquarters, Kristine’s classroom is a window to the world. These rich learning experiences are providing students with tangible skills to succeed in school and life,” said Bishop, who is a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator herself. “Beyond the classroom, Kristine is active on school committees, mentors fellow teachers and spreads effective practices in the district. We are thrilled to celebrate Kristine today and welcome her to our diverse and talented Milken Educator Network.” 

In addition to Wednesday’s celebration, Becker becomes a lifelong member of the Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,900 outstanding educators and leaders from across the country dedicated to strengthening K-12 education. 

“Kristine is the caliber of teacher every student deserves,” Watson said. “The creativity she brings to her classroom every day creates excitement in her students to learn and sparks their curiosity. I am so pleased to see her talent being recognized by the Milken Foundation.” 

Since the initiative’s inception in 1987, more than $140 million in funding, including more than $73 million in individual awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients’ careers.