Grange Hall teacher wins national award of $25,000

Photo courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Schools Laura Marshall (center) accepts congratulations from Grange Hall Elementary Principal Kathleen Sefrin and Superintendent Marcus Newsome after winning a Milken Educator Award.

Laura Marshall, a third-grade teacher at Grange Hall Elementary School, received an unexpected treat during a school assembly late last month when she received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

Only a handful of people knew the reason for the specially called assembly in the Grange Hall gym; Marshall was among those who did not know. Teachers, staff members, special guests including Virginia First Lady Anne Holton and about 775 students enjoyed songs by second- and third-grade students, then heard brief remarks from Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia Wright.

The reason for the assembly finally became clear when Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation moved to the microphone.

"One of the best teachers in the entire country is in your school," Foley told Grange Hall Elementary, adding that teachers do not get enough recognition and "the Milken Family Foundation wants to change that."

She then announced that Marshall is one of just 80 educators across the country chosen to receive a Milken award this year.

The Milken Educator Awards have been dubbed "the Oscars of teaching" by Teacher Magazine. Each year, teachers across the United States are considered for the award without their knowledge by blue-ribbon panels appointed by each state's department of education.

"Laura Marshall is an example of our commitment to providing a competent and knowledgeable work force, and I am delighted she is part of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Every day, students benefit from her expertise and energy, her commitment and compassion," Superintendent Marcus Newsome said.

This is the third time in four years that a Chesterfield County teacher has received a Milken Educator Award. James River High teacher Laura Lay won in 2005, and Chalkley Elementary teacher Joshua Cole won in 2006.

After her name was announced and she was handed a bouquet of roses, a stunned Marshall thanked her colleagues and the school community.

"Grange Hall is a wonderful home to come to every day," she said. "Working with my colleagues is incredible. I wish everyone could be recognized every day for everything they do."

Marshall has been a teacher at Grange Hall Elementary since August 2002. Now in the seventh year of her teaching career, Marshall is Grange Hall's lead social studies teacher and the school's public relations chair. She earned her master's degree in 2002 from Virginia Tech, which is where she received her bachelor's degree in 2000.

The Milken Educator Awards honor teachers in early-to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. Award winners may use their $25,000 in any way they wish. Established in 1985 by the Milken Family Foundation, the award alternates yearly between elementary and secondary educators. The 2008 recipients will receive their $25,000 checks during the Milken National Education Conference held April 17-19 in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.mff.org.