(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- Greta Casto, a media/technology teacher at Russell Primary School in the Russell Independent school district, is Kentucky's newest recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, which includes a financial reward of $25,000.
Casto was notified of her award today, when Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit visited her school.
Casto has been a teacher for 12 years and earned National Board Certification. On her nomination form, she is described as "modest" and "innovative." One recommendation noted that "The students and staff look toward Greta's knowledge to lead us in literacy and technology." Casto earned an associate's degree from Ashland Community College, a bachelor's degree from Kentucky Christian College and master's degrees from Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky.
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 44 recipients since then. This year, 100 educators from 47 states and the District of Columbia 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.
##