ISTA member receives national Milken Educator Award
05/11/2017
ISTA member Traci Druschke, third-grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary, Evansville, had never heard of the Milken Educator Award until one fateful morning. During a February school assembly celebrating what she thought was student character and leadership growth, Druschke was surprised with the award, which grants her access to the National Milken Educator Network and rewards her with a $25,000 cash prize.
“The award tells me, ‘okay, I’m doing something right,’” said Druschke. “But, I’m not the only one – it’s my whole team, and everyone I’ve worked with in the past. I become a better teacher every year with the help of colleagues and continued professional development.”
Druschke was one of 35 educators nationwide recognized with the award, called the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher magazine. According to the Milken Educator Award website, the awards recognize early to mid-career educators, “for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.”
There is no formal nomination or application process. A confidential selection process and formal review identify the award winners for the year.
The characteristics of Druschke’s teaching that caught the attention of the Milken panel included data collection that drives instruction and student growth. Druschke uses data to identify students who haven’t caught on to new concepts, or even those students who are excelling and would benefit from enhanced instruction.
“Dig into data, and you’re able to help every student,” said Druschke.
She can’t do it all on her own. Druschke credits the parent and retired teacher volunteers who help in her classroom several days a week.
“People matter – ask people to help,” said Druschke.
The National Milken Educator Network values personal connections to support educators. The 2017 award winners attended an event where they networked with previous awardees. In line with ISTA’s emphasis on educator mentoring, Druschke now has an additional professional network of educators she can lean on, in addition to her local association.
What’s in Druschke’s future? She does not anticipate leaving the classroom, but wants to impact pre-service educators.
“I’m reaching out to local universities,” said Druschke, who was on her way to a meeting with the University of Evansville. “I want to work together on teacher candidates, whether that’s an online course, or they come in and work with teacher candidates. That would in turn help our district to get prepared students [student teachers].”
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#ThankATeacher
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, ISTA asked Druschke what teacher inspired (or still inspires) her.
“I’ve had so many wonderful educators. I wouldn’t have gone into the field without them. I have so many to thank along the way, including colleagues,” said Druschke.
But, Druschke recognizes her fourth-grade teacher, Carolyn Ferber, as one of the strongest influences on her life and career. She explained that Ferber showed an interest in all her students and her passion for education. Druschke has continued to connect with Ferber throughout her career, and she’s remained a sounding board for Druschke on professional and personal challenges and opportunities.