October 24, 2008

LANSING - Erik Cliff, a teacher at Central Woodlands School in the Forest Hills Public School District, received news today of a $25,000 cash award - no strings attached - during a visit to the school from Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan as part of the Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Awards Program.
 
"Erik Cliff is an outstanding teacher," Flanagan said.  "He makes learning fun and challenging, using technology throughout his work with the students."

From the state capitol Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said: "I am honored to recognize Erik as an outstanding Michigan educator.  His commitment to high expectations, motivational learning and collaboration helps ensure that all of his students will succeed."

Cliff is one of up to 80 elementary teachers nationwide this year to receive the Milken National Educator Award, dubbed the "Oscars of Teaching" by Teacher Magazine. This marks the 22nd year the Milken Family Foundation has recognized and rewarded excellence in education with public acclaim and up to $2 million in unrestricted cash prizes.
 
"Erik Cliff can best be described as a virtuoso teacher whose virtuosity lies in combining a vast range of teaching strategies with the newest technologies to differentiate instruction and connect with every child in his care," said Forest Hills Superintendent Dan Behm. "By making learning fun and exciting every day, he motivates students to meet his high expectations and get hooked on success."

Research shows that the single most important school-based factor impacting student achievement is having a talented teacher in the classroom. The difference between an effective and ineffective teacher can be a full grade level of student achievement in a single year.  

Award Criteria
Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken National Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process.  Educators are recommended for this prestigious honor without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education.
Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
• Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.