Maryland elementary educator receives ‘Oscar award’ of teaching – WTOP News

At Fairland Elementary College in Silver Spring, Maryland, a gymnasium full of scholars erupted in cheers as certainly one of their academics was named the perfect of the perfect within the nation.

The scholars had been celebrating Dion Jones being chosen as a Milken Educator Award recipient.

This award is taken into account by some because the “Oscar award” of educating, and just some 40 academics throughout the nation obtain it every year.

For Jones, the shock was evident in his face when his title was referred to as. The occasion within the auditorium, at which native and state leaders in schooling attended, was billed as a celebration of the varsity, disguising the precise nature of the gathering. However Jones quickly realized, when his title was referred to as, that this meeting was all about him.

“What a shock that they stored from me, and it’s onerous to maintain something from me,” Jones mentioned in accepting the award.

“Dion Jones’ impression has a ripple impact throughout his college students, their mother and father, his colleagues and his neighborhood,” Dr. Jane Foley, Milken Educator Awards Senior vice chairman, mentioned.

Since he was a boy, Jones mentioned he has needed to turn out to be a instructor.

“I’m feeling simply so humbled by this glorious, fantastic, and the way grateful I’m to be chosen out of so many,” Jones mentioned.

College Principal Lakeisha Lashley mentioned she shouldn’t be stunned that Jones obtained this award as a result of he’s an “wonderful instructor.”

“College students beneath his tutelage develop; they develop exponentially, so when they’re with him, they’re rising so that’s what makes him stand out,” Lashley mentioned.

Lashley mentioned one method Jones makes use of, which caught her eye, is permitting college students to assist him educate the category. The method actually engages the younger college students, she mentioned.

“I’m merely excited and thrilled for Mr. Jones and this Fairland Elementary College neighborhood,” Montgomery County Public Faculties Superintendent Monifa McKnight mentioned.

She mentioned Jones will turn out to be an in a single day movie star within the faculty system, and he or she hopes to have him work with the varsity system to assist recruit new academics within the county.

Jones mentioned whereas his mates needed to be firefighters and law enforcement officials, he at all times needed to be a instructor.

“I might give all people the message — (who) is even arising into schooling — to maintain going since you’re wanted on this career to the touch the lives of so many kids,” Jones mentioned.

Not solely does the award include nationwide recognition, but additionally a $25,000 verify. Jones joked that he doesn’t but know what he’ll use the cash for.

He mentioned as he continues his profession as a instructor, he plans to maintain on residing by his motto of “No matter it takes,” in the case of educating the kids who come by means of his lecture rooms.