Associate Commissioner O’Neil joins Milken Foundation to honor Needham Elementary School teacher
Fifth-grade math teacher Tiffany Miera won the $25,000 Milken Award Monday in a surprise ceremony at Needham Elementary School that was attended by Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken and Colorado Department of Education Associate Commissioner of Educator Talent Colleen O’Neil.
“Talented teachers like Tiffany Miera provide the kind of guidance and compassion that students carry with them through learning and life,” Lowell Milken said. “I commend Tiffany for giving back to the community as a teacher, mentor and leader, and look forward to her contributions on a national scale as a member of our Milken Educator Network.
Miera is a Durango native with strong community ties. She was once a Needham Elementary student herself and has spent her entire career in education at the school. She builds relationships with all students and works collaboratively with families to meet each child’s needs, including those with individualized education and behavior plans.
“Congratulations to Tiffany Miera on the honor of being named a Milken Educator,” Commissioner of Education Katy Anthes said. “Her dedication to building relationships with her students and their families in and out of the classroom is inspiring. We are excited to continue learning from her innovative work helping students succeed in math!”
“Ms. Miera is an invaluable member of her school and community,” Colleen O’Neil said. “She is a trusted leader among her colleagues and is dedicated to improving and supporting her hometown of Durango. We are so grateful to have teachers like her in Colorado who offer their talents to mentor fellow educators and demonstrate their passion for student learning.”
Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to the $25,000 prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,900 education leaders.
Source: Colorado Department of Education
