Kirtland Elementary School teacher receives Milken Educator Award
KIRTLAND, N.M. – A fourth grade teacher at Kirtland Elementary School is the winner of the Milken Educator Award.
KOB 4 was at the surprise assembly Wednesday and spoke to the teacher who was recognized for all she does for her students.
“We know how essential our teachers are, and we also know that they don’t get celebrated often enough,” said Jennifer Fuller, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards.
That’s what makes the Milken Family Foundation so important. They honor educators coast to coast for all the hard work they do day in and day out for their students.
The foundation chose 45 teachers for the prestigious award, and we were there when a teacher in the Four Corners heard the news.
“I honestly thought it was just a PED presentation discussing our data or how well our students were doing this quarter,” said Rashinda Billie, a Kirtland Elementary School teacher. “I did not expect it was gonna be me. Just seeing the reaction from the school, from my fellow teachers, from the students, I was just very happy and in shock crying and walking down the bleachers, and it was a lot just to process in that moment.”
It isn’t hard to see why Billie was a shoo-in for the award.
“Hands-on learning, I do a lot for math, Right before we get into the procedural part of it, we do a lot more conceptual learning in my class,” Billie said.
This is important when it comes to test time.
“They picked up a lot this year. Luckily, I had the same group from last year, so I was able to loop with my kids, and I’ve noticed such an improvement within the reading they like to read more,” said Billie.
Billie says her students aren’t the only ones learning.
“Being able to go from where I was my first year to now is a huge improvement on what I see in myself. I am more confident in the classroom,” Billie said. “It does have its challenges, but I think working with students is what just brings you back every year. I love to see that look on their faces when they’re learning new things and how they talk about things.”
The Milken Award winner says she’s grateful there’s a foundation out there that honors educators.
“It’s important to recognize excellent teachers because they don’t get recognized enough,” said Billie.