Dion Jones, a third-grade educator at Fairland Elementary School, was surprised with the prestigious teaching award at a school assembly Tuesday.
Jones had wanted to be teacher since he was a little boy in Elkton, Md., but he was especially inspired by one of his high school math teachers. As an educator, he strives to never give up on a child, he said. He has a bachelor’s from Coppin State University in Baltimore and a master’s from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. He began his teaching career at Fairland six years ago and currently teaches third grade.
“I think being a little boy growing up, I never thought of a moment like this. Sometimes in this profession, you ask yourself, ‘Am I really effective? Am I really making an impact?’ because the work we do is strenuous,” Jones said. “To be here, and to be able to be a part of this community to promote change, has been humbling to me.”
Milken Educator Award recipients are not nominated for the award, nor do they apply. They are selected through a confidential process, then reviewed by blue ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education and finalized by the Milken Family Foundation. To date, roughly 2,900 educators have received the award, with prizes totaling over $73 million.
Foley said Jones was selected for several reasons. His students make exceptional gains every year, and he acts as a leader in the profession by mentoring other teachers. He has also led the school’s efforts around equitable practices in teaching.he was going to use the $25,000 award. His first goal after he left the gymnasium was to call his mother to tell her.
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