A teacher in Ramsey, New Jersey is the latest recipient of a $25,000 award from an organization that honors educators for their work in the classroom.
Ramsey High School social studies teacher Daniel Willever can add the Milken Educator Award to his resume.
“One of the first things I wanted to do was take a picture with a bunch of my students who I am really close with from different clubs that I advise and students that I’ve taught in class,” Willever told WBGO. “I was able to go into one of my classes after receiving the award and the kids were awesome. They’re the reason that it’s so easy to get up and go to work in the morning.”
It’s good timing for Willever. He’s getting married in two weeks, but outside of a honeymoon he says he has other plans for the award.
“I want to be able to do something good with the money as well,” he said. “I’ve already had some conversations with other winners of the award. I’m sure they’ll be able to give me some advice on how to use it to become a public advocate for public education in New Jersey and nationally.”
Roughly forty educators nationally will receive Milken Educator Awards in the 2019-2020 school year. Daniel Willever of Ramsey is the only teacher to earn it from New Jersey.