Katherine Watkins thought she was just going to a regular school assembly at Millington Central High School, but she was in for a surprise. The English teacher was honored with the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation, which rewards teachers for their hard work and dedication with a $25,000 unrestricted grant.
Watkins was one of 45 teachers in the U.S. to win the award and Lowell Milken, the foundation’s chairman and co-founder came to Millington, Tennessee to present her with the award. “I’m here today because I believe teachers and principals have the most important jobs in our society,” he explains.
While the teacher was in shock after her win, she was delighted with the honor. Students say Watkins is everyone’s favorite and she loves bringing her love of literature to them. “For me, going out of my way, using my extra time to try to bring students into my way of seeing literature, is what that’s all about,” Watkins says. “The work we do is very hard and if it weren’t for the close-knit group of professionals I work with, I don’t think I could do it.”
Source: USA Today