Two Florida educators receive national award

FLORIDA – Two Florida teachers are among the 60 nationwide to receive a Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation.

Ashley Hernandez, a high school mathematics teacher at Riverview High School in Sarasota County, and April Crisci, a kindergarten teacher at Westside Elementary School in Hernando County, were honored by the Milken Family Foundation during a surprise announcement yesterday.

“Florida is blessed to have high-quality educators, like Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Crisci, who positively impact student outcomes and work hard every day to ensure students reach their full potential,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran.

Described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards provide recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering education excellence.

The Milken Family Foundation is celebrating 35 years of surprising and rewarding teachers. Stephanie Bishop, Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator, made Tuesday’s announcements at Riverview High School and Westside Elementary School.

“Teachers like Ashley Hernandez have a special gift for making students feel heard and valued,” said Vice President Bishop.

“Her positive attitude and compassion for the transitions and challenges that high schoolers face create an environment where students can excel in their academic journey and beyond. By consistently elevating instruction at the classroom and school levels, Ashley is broadening her impact on students, peers and the community at large.”

“April Crisci exemplifies the forward-thinking strategies in education that Milken Educators strive to represent,” said Bishop.

“Through encouraging classroom observations and bringing innovative instructional methods to Westside Elementary, she is strengthening the success of her students and supporting fellow teachers. The impressive abilities of the young students who leave her classroom speak for themselves: April’s influence is equipping them to spring forward in their education. I congratulate April and welcome her into the Milken Educator Network.”

Hernandez is an extraordinary teacher at Riverview High School who has impressive expertise in the area of mathematics. During Ashley’s 11-year tenure teaching in Sarasota County, she has connected with students in courses that range from Algebra 1A to Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics, according to the Florida Department of Education (DOE).

Crisci has served as a kindergarten teacher at Westside Elementary School in Hernando County for over ten years. Ms. Crisci is a lifelong learner who strives to grow as an educator and seeks out training opportunities to better her practice, the DOE said.

For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org/.