Since first presented in 1987 to a dozen California teachers, the Milken Educator Awards is now the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program, having honored more than 2,400 educators from coast to coast with over $60 million in unrestricted cash awards.

The Milken Educator Awards were established by Milken Family Foundation Chairman Lowell Milken to provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education.

The Awards alternate each year between elementary and secondary educators; its recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The 2009 Awards Notifications reached an estimated audience of 175 million people with more than 850 stories.

The new recipients of the Milken Educator Award will convene at The 2010 Milken Educator Forum. This event will be an inspirational, national gathering of award-winning educators who will explore their roles and responsibilities in increasing teacher effectiveness and in sharing innovative strategies that make a powerful impact on students. Hosted by the Milken Family Foundation in Santa Monica, CA, this spring, the Forum will celebrate, elevate and activate the newest class of Milken Educator Award recipients. The program will range from plenary sessions addressing broad issues facing educators today to small group discussions, and culminate with the presentation of the $25,000 Milken Educator Awards to honorees at a recognition dinner and ceremony.