2006-07 Milken National Educator Heather Wilson
James H. Bean Elementary School, Sidney Maine

Heather Wilson received the 2006 Milken National Educator Award for exceptional teaching practices and student learning results in her classroom. Heather was nominated by a secret blue-ribbon panel appointed by the Maine Department of Education. Candidates for the Milken National Educator Award are selected for being effective instructional leaders. The Milken National Educator Award is the largest teacher recognition award program in the U.S. and was established to celebrate, elevate and activate the highest caliber professionals in our nation’s schools.

Heather was honored in a ceremony at the James H. Bean School on October 30, 2006.
For her efforts Heather received a $25,000 unrestricted financial award and an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles California to participate in the Milken Education Conference.

Heather received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington and is currently working toward her master’s degree in Elementary Education. Heather has taught for 7 years and currently teaches grade 5 at the James H. Bean Schoo l in Sidney, Maine. Heather uses a variety of differentiated instructional strategies in her classroom. One of Heather’s students, Jake Smith, put s it this way “Other teachers would help you for, like, a minute, Mrs. Wilson helps you for as long as you want.” Research shows that having a talented teacher in the classroom is the most important school-based factor impacting students’ achievement.

“Good teachers are the linchpin in our education system playing a critical role in propelling student learning. Every child deserves to be in a classroom with a teacher who inspires, illustrates and advances excellence. It’s imperative that as a nation we recognize the importance of outstanding teachers and encourage young talented people to choose teaching as a career.” ~Milken Family Foundation web site.