Petal Upper Elementary School fifth-grade math teacher Tyler Shows was surprised today with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award presented by the Milken Family Foundation at a 9:30 a.m. schoolwide assembly of cheering students, appreciative colleagues, local dignitaries and media.

Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners’ list remain a closely guarded secret until each award is announced.

Shows was recognized for his commitment to his students, creativity in the classroom and leadership throughout the community. He connects math to the real world as he focuses on the concepts underlying each lesson, intentionally building students’ confidence and inspiring them to rise to his high expectations. He serves as grade-level chair and leads a professional learning community of six math teachers. When Petal High School seniors receive an extra ticket to give to a teacher for their graduation ceremony, Shows is a popular recipient.

Shows holds a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Mississippi (2012) and a master’s degree in gifted education from William Carey University (2019). In 2021, he became a National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist.

“I applaud Mr. Shows for having an intentional focus of daily bringing real-world experiences into the classroom to instill a love of learning and build confidence,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “Not only does he inspire students, but he also pays it forward by working with his high school’s Teacher Academy and by mentoring colleagues through the National Board Certification process.”

The Milken Family Foundation (MFF) was established in 1982. The Milken Educator Awards were first presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Mississippi joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1991.  Since then, 75 Mississippi educators have been awarded more than $1.8 million through the program.

The Milken Educator Awards will honor up to 40 elementary educators in the 2022-23 school year. Over the past 35 years, more than $140 million in funding, including more than $73 million in individual awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients’ careers.

“Petal Upper Elementary School educators have experienced so many challenges recently, from a tornado in 2017 to the pandemic. Thanks to Tyler and so many other incredible teachers, they have found ways to rise above and maintain an excellent learning community for their students,” said Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator. “Tyler is building a positive legacy of education here in his hometown school district, and for that, we honor him today.”

Unlike most teacher recognition programs, the Milken Educator Awards initiative has no formal nomination or application process. Candidates are sourced through a confidential selection process and then reviewed by blue ribbon panels in each state. The most exceptional candidates are recommended for the award, with final selection made by the Milken Family Foundation.

Along with the unrestricted financial prize, award recipients join the national Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,900 top teachers, principals and specialists. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others dedicated to excellence in education.

The honorees will also attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles. Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels.