Recharta Walston, a third grade teacher at Seatack Elementary School , entered a school assembly today an unsuspecting teacher and walked out a $25,000 award winner! In a surprise announcement, Walston was named a 2008 Milken Family Foundation National Educator. She is one of only three teachers in Virginia to receive the honor.

State Superintendent of Pubic Instruction Dr. Patricia Wright and Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation surprised students and staff during a school assembly to share the news of Walston’s success. “I couldn’t believe it,” exclaimed Walston. “I never imagined anything like this would happen to me.”

Walston’s fellow teachers and staff at Seatack Elementary call it a well-deserved honor citing exemplary teaching skills, her dynamic leadership and organizational skills, and her commitment to cultural and community awareness.

“Ms. Walson has a deep compassion for our students and the entire Seatack community,” said Larry Ames, principal of Seatack Elementary School. “She is committed not only to the academic success of the children in her classroom, but also to increasing parental involvement and community partnerships which support student achievement,” Ames added.

Walston is a 12-year veteran with Virginia Beach City Public Schools having taught at Seatack Elementary School the entire time. During her tenure she has received multiple teaching awards and recognitions. In order to be considered for the Milken Family Foundation award, educators are identified by their peers and then recommended by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by the state’s department of education. Selection criteria include:

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

As a National Educator award recipient, Walston will receive an unrestricted $25,000 prize at the 2009 Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference in the spring. The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards were established in 1985. Teacher Magazine has dubbed them “the Oscars of teaching.” Since their inception, the awards have been given to more than 2,300 teachers in 48 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about the Milken Family Foundation, visit www.mff.org or call (310) 570.4775.

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