Milken Educator award winner Brian Quinn, a fourth grade mathematics teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland.

American schools are very fortunate to enjoy the benefit of a multitude  of talented educators. One of these is Brian Quinn, a fourth grade mathematics teacher at East Silver Spring Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland. In 2018, Brian was recognized for his work with a Milken Educator Award.

Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University in 2006. He completed the requirements for his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for middle school mathematics from the University of Maryland in 2013.

In Brian’s classroom, students play board games and computer games, they work together in small groups using cooperative learning strategies, and they even create their own math games, designing the rules and writing instructions for their classmates to follow.

“If mathematics is the music of reason, Brian Quinn is a gifted conductor bringing the best out of his fourth-grade ensemble,” Jane Foley, the Milken Family Foundation vice president, said. “As a strong proponent of project-based learning, technology integration and smart data, he brings math to all of his learners so they can maximize their potential,” she continued. “We commend Quinn’s creativity, drive and dedication, qualities we value deeply in Milken Educators,” Foley concluded.

The Milken Educator Awards has been described by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.” In addition to the $25,000 cash prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 exemplary teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who work towards strengthening best practices in education. Brian is the only teacher in Maryland to receive the award this year. He is one of up to 40 educators to receive the Milken Educator Award for the 2018-2019 year.