On October 20, 2015, I attended an all-school assembly intended to promote dual credit. Cameras and local dignitaries were present to report on the event featuring Dr. Melody Schopp, South Dakota’s Secretary of Education at that time. After speaking about dual credit for a short time, she said, “But that’s not why I’m really here.” Within minutes I was announced as South Dakota’s 2015 Milken Educator Award recipient, one of 37 named that year in the United States.
According to the Milken Family Foundation’s website, “The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early- to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.”
For me, the honor came with much more than an obelisk and cash award. Being a Milken Educator opened doors for me to make a larger impact in education through meetings with leaders, networking with other award recipients, contributing to publications, and speaking to the public. While many Milken Educators eventually shift their careers towards instructional coaching and administration, I’ve made a firm choice to remain a practicing teacher. I love whom I teach, where I teach, and what I teach!
This year’s South Dakota Milken Educator Dan Gallagher received his surprise announcement on February 13, 2025. Dan currently teaches science and coaches basketball and football at his alma mater, Aberdeen Roncalli Middle/High School. The Milken Family Foundation describes him as versatile, enthusiastic, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, and community-oriented. I am honored to host him on our show and learn where his drive to nurture students, inspire colleagues, and support his community comes from, as well as how he keeps that spark alive when the work gets tough.
