When Patrick Henry High School teacher Sharon Ornelas entered what she thought would be a routine school-wide assembly on October 11 she had no idea that in a matter of minutes she would experience one of the most memorable moments of her life!
In the schools’ crowded gymnasium – packed with students, colleagues and dignitaries – Ornelas heard Milken Family Foundation Chairman Lowell Milken announce her name as a recipient of an unrestricted $25,000 Milken National Educator Award. The room erupted in cheers. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was there to offer his congratulations. And Ornelas was heralded with accolades that outstanding teachers deserve but rarely receive.
“Teachers are the heart, soul and backbone of our school district,” said MPS Superintendent Bill Green. “Without them we have no system, period. The value to us of having outstanding teachers like Sharon in our district cannot be measured.”
Ornelas is the fourth Minneapolis Public Schools teacher to receive this prestigious award in the past six years, and she is the only Minnesotan to receive the award this year.
“The Milken Educator Awards say, in a very public way, that greatness in education must be recognized and rewarded,” said Milken. “Her effectiveness in the classroom, coupled with her outstanding dedication, commitment and leadership, make Sharon Ornelas deserving of this honor,” he added.
Ornelas has achieved remarkable success with English Language Learners (ELL) at Patrick Henry High School. She not only helps them achieve basic English literacy, but she also engages them in college-level work through a transitional writing course she created in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.
A National Board Certified teacher, Ornelas often seeks input from students to help shape curriculum and instruction, asking them to vote on novels being read in class and designing extensive inquiry-based projects that allow them to explore topics of their choice.
She also uses formative assessments to monitor student progress and provide individual help where needed. Her efforts have helped 90 percent of her regularly attending students pass the Minnesota Basic Skills Tests. Ornelas actively designs and coordinates professional development programs through the Professional Practice School (PPS), a partnership with the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers. She has also worked with the state legislature and the Minnesota Department of Education to develop a residency program at Patrick Henry for new teachers.
By this school year’s end, the Milken Educator Awards will have recognized more than 2,300 educators with over $58 million. The 2007 recipients will receive their $25,000 checks during the Milken National Education Conference held in Los Angeles. Before an audience of national business, government and education leaders, the newest Milken Educators will be honored at a gala awards ceremony so spectacular that it has been dubbed by Teacher magazine as “the Oscars of teaching.” They will also join the Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,300 distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education. Note: Reprinted from www.mpls.k12.mn.us.