Milken Educator Award winner Tasha Wilson of Kingsland, Arkansas.

The teaching profession is so fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented educators working in our public schools. One of these is Tasha Wilson, a second grade teacher from Kingsland, Arkansas, who has been named a 2018-2019 Milken Educator Award winner.

Tasha is known for going above and beyond to ensure that her students treat each other with courtesy and respect, and she tolerates no bullying. The gifted educator has a reputation for motivating her students to do their best on their schoolwork, and her little ones say they feel safe to take academic risks they might not feel comfortable with taking in other classrooms. Her students demonstrate exceptional growth on their statewide assessments. Last year, her kids scored 34% higher in math and 37% higher in reading. One of Tasha’s many strengths is teaching the writing process to her young students. At the end of the year, her second graders can write a five-paragraph essay, a skill they will use and build on throughout the rest of their school years. 

Tasha was born in Wilmar, Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2003. She has taught at Kingsland for the entire length of her 14-year career. This is her eighth year as a second grade teacher. 

Tasha says it was her love of reading and learning that compelled her to become a teacher. “This was my calling. This was the only profession that I ever thought I wanted,” Tasha reveals. “I love what I do. For someone to recognize me like this is just the icing on the cake,” she continues.

The Milken Educator Awards has been described by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.” The award has been used to honor exceptional educators over 30 years. Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved to date, and for the promise of what they will accomplish as they continue through their careers. 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 top teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who work towards strengthening best practices in education.

To learn more about Tasha Wilson, click on this link: Tasha Wilson.