ALEXANDRIA, Va. — An educator from Alexandria got a big surprise during a school assembly on Tuesday.
English teacher Eva Irwin from Alexandria City High School was given the Milken Educator Award and $25,000 for their efforts. Irwin is the first-ever educator from Alexandria City Schools to be recognized with the award, which was first created in 1987.
“During her short time at Alexandria City High School, Eva Irwin’s dedication and leadership are commendable and making a positive impact on students, colleagues and the community,” said Lowell Milken. “We are proud to welcome Eva to the Milken Educator Network and look forward to seeing her accomplish even greater things in the future to advance educators and students.”
Virginia State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons was on hand to present the award.
“We are blessed with outstanding teachers in Virginia, and Eva Irwin at Alexandria City High School is one of the best in the nation,” said Dr. Coons. “It is great to see her receive the recognition she deserves and that we could all celebrate her achievement. She is a great representative for Virginia teachers across the Commonwealth.”
Known as "the Oscar of Teaching," the Milken Educator Award honors up to 75 educators across the country every year. The national recognition is awarded to those who serve as a model for the state and the country. The Milken Family Foundation is expected to name its 3,000th Milken Educator later this year
Secrecy was a big part of the excitement leading up to the honor. Not even staff and students could know ahead of the presentation. Educators can't apply and aren't even aware of their candidacy before being announced at school assemblies.
Irwin joins Virginia science teacher and Department Chair Travis Dodds, who works at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville and received his award earlier Tuesday. Dodds was also the first in Hanover County Public Schools to receive the Milken Educator Award.
In addition to the $25,000 cash award, which is unrestricted and can be used in many ways, the honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles this June and receive mentorship opportunities.
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