KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Kim Tredick, a 5th grade teacher at Sulphur Springs Community School in Canyon Country was caught by surprise today, as she was awarded the Milken National Educator Award.
The $25,000 award has been called the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine, and represents the very highest caliber of teaching in the United States.
The award is given by the Milken Family Foundation, who seeks out teachers and schools that offer the very best in innovative learning.
Tredick was cited for her accomplishments in the classroom, school and community.
Her class is known throughout the district as a model for differentiated instruction. She serves as the Gifted and Talented Education site coordinator, and is well regarded for her techniques in assessing students to find specific learning needs.
She also developed a program called “Lets Play” which includes skill based applications designed to help special needs students with social interaction.
She is involved in the Young Authors Conference, which allows students and opportunity to create and showcase their writing.
According to the Milken Foundation, a few of the criteria teachers must meet to be considered for the award include:
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;
Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
“I’ve always known, working here that this was the greatest place,” Tredick said.
This spring, the educators that receive the award will get their $25,000 checks at the official awards ceremony during the Milken National Education Conference in Los Angeles.
The money can be used any way the recipients choose.
Also on hand for the ceremony was Rosey Grier, former “Fearsome Foursome” for the Los Angeles Rams, who is now an ordained minister.
