For Immediate Release
October 10, 2006
Glen Ellyn fifth grade teacher receives national recognition
GLEN ELLYN -- Kerin Motsinger is described by her colleagues
as a creative teacher who is constantly developing new
and exciting ways to help her students learn. Her enthusiasm
and dedication to her students is evident in each of
the lessons she teaches. Principal Amy Boyer says that
Kerin’s enthusiasm is contagious and that her students
are “excited to learn.”
For the past 10 years Kerin has been teaching students
to achieve at their highest potential and on Tuesday
afternoon she learned that her students aren’t
the only ones achieving their highest potential.
The combination of creativity, commitment, and passion
are what led the Milken Family Foundation to select her
as one of two Illinois recipients of the prestigious
Milken National Educator Award.
The announcement came as a complete surprise to almost
everyone in the crowded auditorium at Park View Elementary
School in Glen Ellyn. Using the ruse of State Board officials
visiting the school, an assembly was put together. The
reality was something on a bigger scale as local dignitaries,
politicians, and members of the school board took their
places. Then Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of
the Milken Family Foundation was introduced. A few people
in the audience recognized the name but the secret was
still intact. After a short speech about outstanding
teachers and the importance of education, Milken announced
the real reason for the assembly.
The prestigious award is given annually to teachers
demonstrating exemplary teaching skills and personal
commitment to education. Each winner receives $25,000
from the Milken Family Foundation which they can use
however they wish.
Because of Kerin’s ability to consistently rise
to any challenge, she is currently teaching gifted and
talented students and helping them soar even higher in
their academic pursuits.
Motsinger earned her master’s degree in technology
last summer and she uses computers to help students expand
their knowledge of the world outside their classroom.
This is the 20th anniversary of the Milken National
Educator Awards. Approximately 100 teachers in 48 states
and the District of Columbia will receive Milken awards
this year. Since 1987, over $56 million has been awarded
to more than 2,200 educators. New recipients will join
the Milken Educator Network, a rich resource of educators
and other influential leaders accessible to fellow teachers,
legislators, school boards, and others who are shaping
the future of education. 102 Illinois teachers and principals
have received the Milken National Educator award since
its inception.
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