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State of Rhode Island Department of Education

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award

This prestigious national award recognizes and celebrates professionals who are furthering excellence in education.

2024 Milken Educator Award Winner - Maria Santonastaso

Santa Monica, CA. (October 22, 2024):  The crowd of students, educators, dignitaries, and media were abuzz at Cranston’s Glen Hills Elementary School this morning as a special visit from Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green turned into an unexpected surprise: Someone would be receiving the prestigious $25,000 Milken Educator Award. Heads began to turn, asking – who could it be?

As the wave of excitement washed through the gym, Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley announced that Kindergarten Teacher Maria Santonastaso (San-TAW-nah-STAH-soh) is Rhode Island’s sole 2024-25 Milken Educator Award recipient. But wait — there’s more! Santonastaso’s commitment to education not only earned her the Award and its accompanying $25,000 cash prize, but also unlocked access to a nationwide network of pioneering professionals working to shape the future of education. The presentation marked the launch of a historic Milken Educator Awards season that will welcome the 3,000th Milken Educator in the national network.

“We applaud Maria Santonastaso's commitment to providing her students with a strong foundation that prepares them for a lifetime of learning,” said Dr. Foley, who is a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator herself. “At such a young age, Maria's students are fortunate to learn under her watchful eye as she ensures their continued academic growth, engagement in hands-on activities, and individualized instruction. Congratulations, Maria! We know the Milken Educator Network will benefit from your valuable experience and passion for teaching.”

“As a passionate advocate for strong, data-driven literacy instruction, Maria has inspired a love of reading that empowers students to excel,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We are tremendously grateful for her contributions to Rhode Island education and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make on her students and the profession as a Milken Educator.”

Up to 45 educators coast to coast will be honored with the Milken Educator Award in 2024-25. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards continue to inspire educators, students and entire communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession and encourages young, capable people to consider a career in education. This season will reach more than $75 million in individual cash prizes since the Awards’ inception in 1987 and over $145 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.

Outstanding educators like Santonastaso are not aware of their candidacy for the Award. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.

 More About Maria Santonastaso

 Setting a Foundation of Excellence: Through a multifaceted approach of mindfulness, collaborative teaching, and project-based learning, Maria Santonastaso has created a nurturing classroom environment for her kindergartners at Glen Hills Elementary School. Santonastaso sparks curiosity, creativity, and peer interactions as she pairs her students with fourth grade “buddies” and leads Socratic seminars. Using student data, she prioritizes early literacy skills and works with fellow faculty members to ensure that all students receive individualized instruction. Also incorporating interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum through the state-sponsored Kindergarten Curriculum Project, Santonastaso engages students in hands-on assignments, like a wild animal research project concluding with student-led presentations and a showcase for parents and families. This exciting unit has garnered visits from district and state officials, as well as a live owl visit from the Audubon Society.

 Lending a Helping Hand: Leading with a positive mindset and desire for lifelong learning, Santonastaso has earned the respect of students and colleagues alike. She participates in Aligning the Learning Day by staying after school to provide additional academic support for students. A supervisor for student teachers at Glen Hills, Santonastaso opens her classroom to observation while working to refine her own instruction and classroom management.

Modeling Active Leadership: Santonastaso’s experience broadens out to the community where she is an adjunct professor of early childhood education at Rhode Island College (her alma mater), an active member of the early childhood advisory committee, and a contributor to the college’s early childhood STEAM curriculum. Additionally, she served as an Educator Preparation Program reviewer for the Rhode Island Department of Education, where she assisted with the evaluation process and ensured that aspiring teachers received high-quality training. Outside of the classroom, Santonastaso is a member of the school improvement team, teaches an after-school yoga class for students, coordinates a cheer squad for sporting events, attends PTA meetings, and guides summer kindergarten orientation.

Education: Santonastaso is a two-time Rhode Island College graduate. In 2014, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and a Bachelor of Science specializing in severe intellectual disabilities. In 2019, she received a Master of Education in reading.

Check out Maria Santonastaso's profile, and photos and video of the big day, on the Milken Educators Awards website. You can also see the latest press release about her award. 

2023 MIlken Educator Award Winners - Malaree Shields and Paige Leddy

Malaree Sheilds

On October 10, 2023, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green joined Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley to surprise Malaree Shields of North Kingstown High School with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. Cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries, and media lit up the gymnasium once they realized the true purpose of the surprise gathering. 

 

“Malaree Shields is an innovator and role model for aspiring STEM students,” said Dr. Foley, who is also a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator. “Her ability to adapt lessons to serve all learners shows an unwavering commitment to student success. I am thrilled to watch Malaree continue to grow as an educator. Her contributions will be a valued asset to the Milken Educator Network and the profession at large.”

 

Along with the unrestricted financial prize, Shields will join the growing group of more than 2,900 professionals - the Milken Educator Network - to work to shape the future of education.  

 

“A Rhode Island high school graduate herself, we are tremendously grateful Malaree Shields is elevating the teaching profession and enriching the lives of Rhode Island students every day,” said Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to her as she joins the esteemed ranks of Milken Educator Award recipients, a testament to her exceptional dedication and impact.”

Check out Malaree's profile, reaction video, and photos from the celebration on the Milken Educators Awards website. Also see Malaree's remarks and interview.

You can also see the press release about her awards.

 

Paige Leddy

Santa Monica, Calif. (October 10, 2023) — Paige Leddy’s students are passionate and strong readers thanks in large part to her dedication to infusing the knowledge and love of reading throughout Richmond Elementary School and beyond. Her compassion and flexibility, paired with data-driven decision-making, assist her in catering to the individual needs of each student. Today, it was Leddy’s time to shine when a routine school assembly turned into the surprise of a lifetime: a $25,000 Milken Educator Award that she can use however she wishes. 

 

Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley was joined by Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green to present Leddy with the prestigious Award surrounded by cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. Along with the $25,000 financial prize, Leddy etches her name in Milken Educator Awards history, joining the growing national network of more than 2,900 Milken Educators working to shape the future of the profession. 

 

“Reading opens doors to knowledge and opportunity, and Richmond Elementary School is fortunate to have Paige Leddy as its guide,” said Dr. Foley, who is also a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator. “Paige’s dedication to the effective implementation of high-quality curricula, sharing best practices and leading with a growth mindset have propelled students and colleagues alike to excellence. I am honored to welcome Paige to the Milken Educator Award family and look forward to the expertise she will bring to our national network.”

 

Leddy’s significant district and school involvement are evident in the relationships she has built with the Richmond community. Outstanding educators like Leddy are not aware of their candidacy for the Award. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.

 

“Paige Leddy’s unwavering dedication to education and her students has illuminated the path to excellence in Rhode Island,” said Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “On behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Education, thank you, Paige, for your commitment to the success of our youngest learners. Congratulations on this tremendous achievement.”

 

 

 

2022 Milken Educator Award Winner - Emily Rendine 

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND—"I just try to make learning magical for my students," third grade teacher Emily Rendine told reporters after her surprise Milken Educator Award notification at Hennessey Elementary in East Providence. Today was certainly magical, but this time Emily was the star!



With Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Commissioner of Education Angelica Infante-Green and a bevy of state and local officials looking on, we presented Emily with the first Milken Educator Award of the season, as well as a huge $25,000 check. "This is crazy—the best moment of my life!" said Emily. "I'm just so excited for all the opportunities this will bring me in the future." So are we, Emily. Congratulations and welcome to the Milken Educator Network!

Check out Emily's profile and spotlight on the Milken Educators Awards website. You can also see the latest press release about her aware. 

2021 Milken Educator Award Winner - John Rosenbaum

In a surprise assembly on March 29, 2022, John Rosenbaum, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Segue Institute for Learning, received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for his unique approach to teaching: bringing learning to life through educational, creative experiences his students will remember for a lifetime. 



Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green surprised Rosenbaum with the national honor, which includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. Rosenbaum will join a national network of more than 2,800 Milken educators and education leaders across the U.S. 

Here the spotlight ceremony where it happened and here is his reaction to the award.

The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 60 educators, and John Rosenbaum is one of the 2 Milken Educator Award winners from Rhode Island.

Congratulations to all educators at Segue Institute for Learning, particularly to John Rosenbaum, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.

News announcements and articles:

2020 Milken Educator Award Winner - Nancie Lawrence

In a surprise assembly on March 29, 2022, Nancie Lawrence, a reading specialist at Steere Farm Elementary School, received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for her work creating welcoming, rewarding environments for her students to learn. Lawrence, who was formerly a third-grade teacher at the school, challenges students to think deeply and work hard for results. Her goal is to hold students to rigorous standards while creating a nurturing environment to learn, and her methods deliver. Her students’ overall ELA proficiency rate on the 2019 state exams was 53 percent, compared with 33 percent for the state and 30 percent for the Burrillville district.

Here is the spotlight ceremony where it happened and here is her interview to the award.

The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. Lawrence is among more than 60 educators nationwide to receive the recognition during the 2021-2022 school year and only one of two recipients in Rhode Island.

Congratulations to all educators at Steere Farm Elementary, particularly to Nancie Lawrence, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.

News announcements and articles:

2019 Milken Educator Award Winner - Jennifer Paolantonio

On the morning of January 15, 2020, special education teacher Jennifer Paolantonio (RI '19) got the surprise of a lifetime at Ponaganset High School in North Scituate, Rhode Island when she was presented with a Milken Educator Award by CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Dr. Candice McQueen and Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green.

Here the spotlight ceremony where it happened and here is her reaction to the award.

The award, from the Milken Family Foundation, carries an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.

The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 40 educators, and Jennifer Paolantonio is the only Milken Educator Award winner from Rhode Island.

Congratulations to all educators at Ponaganset High School, particularly to Jennifer Paolantonio, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.

News announcements and articles:

2018 Milken Educator Award Winner - Michelle Johnson

Third-grade ESL teacher Michelle Johnson (RI '18) got the surprise of a lifetime this morning at Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island. "I'm at a loss for words, and everyone who knows me knows that NEVER happens—this is crazy!" said Michelle when Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, handed her the microphone. Local and state dignitaries were on hand to congratulate Rhode Island's newest Milken Educator, including Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Dr. Ken Wagner and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.

At the end of every school year, Ms. Johnson throws a party for students and families. Over pizza and juice, pupils and their parents watch a celebratory slideshow and pore over folders of drawings, papers and projects. The teacher leads a sheltered-instruction class of English language learners, so the room buzzes with conversation in at least eight different languages. She celebrates every student’s growth, no matter the starting point, and children make great strides in her classroom: While 100% of her 26 students began last year below grade level on Lexia Reading assessments, all reached grade-level benchmarks by the end of the year, and 40% scored even higher.

The award, from the Milken Family Foundation, carries an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.

The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 45 educators.

Congratulations to all educators at Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School, particularly to Michelle Johnson, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.

News announcements and articles:

2017 Milken Educator Award Winner - Lauren Hopkins

In a surprise ceremony on October 26, 2017 at her school, Lauren Hopkins, English teacher and literacy specialist at Coventry High School in Coventry, was named the Rhode Island winner of a 2017 Milken Educator Award. The award, from the Milken Family Foundation, carries an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.

The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 45 educators.

Congratulations to all educators at Coventry High School, particularly to Lauren Hopkins, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.

News announcements and articles:

Past Recipients of the Milken Educator Award

YEAR NAME SCHOOL/DISTRICT*
2021 John Rosenbaum Segue Institute for Learning (Burrillville)
2020 Nancie Lawrence Steere Farm Elementary 
2019 Jennifer Paolantonio Ponaganset High School (Foster-Glocester)
2018 Michelle Johnson Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School (Providence)
2017 Lauren Hopkins Coventry High School (Coventry)
2016 Emily Caldarelli Paul Cuffee Charter School
2015 Kendra Borden Pawtucket
2014 Erin Quinlan Foster
2013 Marielle Emet Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy
2012 Yanaiza Gallant Providence
2011 Michael J. Lobdell Warwick
2010 Dale Blaess Newport
2009 Jaime Crowley Bristol-Warren
2008 Jennifer Theroux Barrington
2007 Janine Napolitano North Providence
2006 Amy Dufault Thompson Pawtucket
  Kathleen Moffit Chariho
2005 Diana Petrosinelli Cranston
  Andrew Wallace Exeter-West Greenwich
2004 Susan Toohey Kaye Coventry
  Katherine Sharkey Warwick
2003 Charles Myers, Jr. Woonsocket
  Mary Ann Guerin Cumberland
2002 Stephanie Blackburn Westerly
  Susan L. Caputo Smithfield
2001 Peter J. McLaren East Greenwich
  Ulysses S. Gallman, III Narragansett
2000 Barbara Ashby Providence
  Judyith Rowe Bristol Warren
  Mariann Hayward South Kingstown
1999 Crandall Dimock South Kingstown
  Denise Frederick North Kingstown
  Richard Gannon Warwick
  Geri McCarthy Barrington
1998 Linda Bello Cranston
  Mary Lou Harrison Scituate
  Kathleen Ward Brown Narragansett
  Barry Ricci Coventry
1997 Michael Barnes Foster-Glocester
  Mary Canole Newport
  Robert Miller Scituate
  MaryKay Schnare Providence
1996 Carol Glanville Bristol Warren
  Ginny Kircanski Pawtucket
  Ralph Perry Middletown
1995 Donna Della Porta Coventry
  Ted Hersey Scituate
  Edward Lemoi Cranston
  Joseph Militello East Greenwich
  Ann OGrady East Greenwich
1994 Henry DeVona Johnston
  Linda Filomeno Providence
  Rosemarie Kraeger Middletown
  Joseph Pasonelli Cranston
  Margaret Swann West Warwick
1993 Howard Boyaz  
  Leland Brown Newport
  Carole Harmon Providence
  Ann Kachanis Davies Career and Technical High School
  Frederick Pasquariello  
  Kris Whitford-Bell South Kingstown
1992 David Capaldi  
  Patricia Jarvis Woonsocket
  Sandra Lamb  
  Joyce Stevos Providence
  Eric Wertheimer  
  Judith Sweeney  
1991 Jorge Alverez Providence
  Leslie Bettencourt Lincoln
  Judith Leonard  
  David Neves Scituate
  Robert Wallace North Smithfield
  Darlene Walsh Cranston
1990 Alfred Belasco Smithfield
  Jeanne Dawson Warwick
  Cheryl Fisher-Allen Providence
  Norma Garnett  
  Paul Mello Middletown
  Robert Smith  

*When Available

Milken Educators of Rhode Island

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program provides public recognition and financial rewards to teachers, principals, and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education.

Here is a video montage featuring some of Rhode Island's Milken award winners - 30 years of Milken Educator Award Surprises: Rhode Island

The goals of the program are:

  • to celebrate and reward educators making a sustained, creative and substantive contribution to the education of elementary and secondary school children
  • to foster the active professional development and career enhancement of Milken Educators and other professionals
  • to encourage Milken Educators to help shape educational policies that influence their classrooms and schools
  • to elevate the teaching profession by increasing public recognition of and support for outstanding educators and successful school programs
  • to encourage talented men and women to enter the field of education

Awards are presented to elementary (grades K-6) educators and secondary (grades 7-12) educators in alternate years.

Each Milken Educator Award carries with it an unrestricted award of $25,000.

Milken Educator Awards are announced in the fall and celebrated at banquets hosted by the foundation in each state. These celebrations are attended by the honorees' families, local school administrators, community leaders, the state's chief of education and frequently its governor. These events are an important part of the program since a major goal is to honor educators publicly.