LOCAL TEACHER AWARDED $25,000 NATIONAL AWARD
CLOVIS (KSMX) – During what appeared to be a school education assembly, led by New Mexico Education Secretary Christopher Ruskowski, actually was a presentation for one teacher at Mesa Elementary School earlier this morning. The Milken Educator Award, which is a National award, was presented to 4th grade teacher Silvia Miranda by Milken Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Secretary Ruskowski. She was presented with the award, a trip to Lousiana, and $25,000 provided by the foundation. Miranda was the only teacher in New Mexico to receive the award. Also, in attendance was Senator Pat Woods, Senator Stuart Ingle, and representing Senator Tom Udall, Ben Salazar, as well as other members of the Public Education Department. Prior to the award, Secretary Ruskowski announced that the state has seen 13,000 more kids reading at their grade level, with 11,000 more doing math at their grade level. He also noted the percentage of students that need remediation is down from 50% to 33%. Before making his way back to Santa Fe, Ruskowski planned to visit Floyd Schools and Tucumcari.