Athens City Educator Surprised by Milken Award

NASHVILLE –Athens City math teacher Kevin Winters was awarded $25,000, thanks to the Milken Foundation.

The award was presented Tuesday by Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Dr. Gary Stark at a surprise ceremony at Athens City Middle School.

“Teachers like Kevin Winters are the reason we are the fastest improving state in the nation,” Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said. “Every day our teachers go above and beyond to support and encourage our students’ growth in and out of the classroom.”

Winters, known for building relationships and motivating students and colleagues, is also a master teacher for TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement. Winters continually works with his principal and faculty to analyze student data and develop comprehensive school academic achievement plans that include educator evaluations and ongoing professional development. He also leads a weekly “think tank” for teachers, providing demonstration lessons, coaching, and team-teaching strategies.

Winters joins 60 Tennessee educators who have been recognized since program began in Tennessee in 1992. Over the past 22 years, the program has awarded more than $1.5 million to Tennessee educators.

For more information, contact Kelli Gauthier at (615) 532-7817 or Kelli.Gauthier@tn.gov.