(FRANKFORT, Ky.) Keith Embry, a mathematics teacher at Oldham County High School, is Kentucky's newest recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, which includes a financial reward of $25,000.
Embry was notified of his award on Wednesday, Oct. 15, when Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit, Gov. Paul Patton and representatives of the Milken Family Foundation visited his school.
Earlier in the day, Rebecca Coleman, a teacher at Whitesburg High School in Letcher County, also was notified of her selection as a Milken National Educator.
Embry, who has 14 years of teaching experience, is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. His teaching methods are described as "research-based," and students at the high school often request placement in his math classes. Described as "very engaging, innovative and caring" on his nomination form, Embry earned a bachelor's degree from Murray State University and a master's degree from the University of Louisville.
At the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference in Los Angeles next May, winners will receive a check for $25,000. There are no restrictions on the use of the award -- the winners may use the money in any way they choose.
The award provides public recognition and a cash reward to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and other education professionals. The foundation was established in 1985, and the first awards given in 1987. Kentucky has participated since 1993, with 42 recipients since then. This year, 100 educators from 47 states were selected as winners.
The Milken Educator Network is a voluntary association of nearly 2,000 Milken Educators and other exemplary educators and business leaders from across the country who are dedicated to improving teacher quality and utilizing research and expertise to shape education policy at state and local levels.
The Milken Family Foundation was established in 1982 to discover and advance inventive and effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives. The Santa Monica, California-based foundation advances this mission primarily through its work in education and medical research.
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