NEDERLAND, Texas — A Nederland ISD fourth grade teacher got a big surprise when she was honored with a national educators award Thursday morning at Helena Park Elementary.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott was there and announced Thursday morning in front of the Helena Park student body that Jenna Dean was the winner of a 2023 Milken Educator Award.
The Milken Educator Awards, created by businessman Lowell Milken in 1987, have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country according to the organization's website.
Out out of 8,800 schools in Texas, Helena Park Elementary School in Nederland was chosen due to their outreach programs
These outreach programs include their Read-a-Thon to raise money for books in the library and their Pink Out fundraiser to raise money for cancer.
The school has the highest attendance record in all of Nederland.
This year, Dean was specifically chosen due to her student-led learning initiatives.
"This is obviously special for Ms. dean, but it is also so special for the state of Texas. I brought a proclamation from the state of Texas recognizing Jenna Dean and Helena Park Elementary School for excellence in education," said Gov. Abbott.
In April, Dean will get an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles, California to attend the Milken Educators Award Forum.
Dean says as a teacher, she wonders every day if what she does makes a difference.
"Stuff like this really tells you what you're doing makes a difference and that people hire up than you, and in different states you know they've seen that and they recognizing you," Dean said. "That is the highest honor I think I can ever receive."
The Milken Educators Award is a competitive award to win as only 40 elementary educators across the nation will receive it.
Helena Park Elementary 4th grade teacher wins national educator award
Each school year, exceptional teachers are considered for the award without their knowledge.
The organization only looks at the best of the best and Dean is certainly confident in the classroom.
"I know that every year, I focus on growth with my students, and growing them, and growing them. We don't talk about passing or failing in my room, it's all about can we get better?" She said. "Even if one question in the morning, whatever it is how can we get better, and we celebrate the growth continuously."
Dean received a $25,000 check as a thank you for going above and beyond to educate future leaders.
"It's welcomed and it will be, definitely put to good use. With this baby on the way it's definitely helpful," Dean said.
Dean is a graduate of Lamar University, earning a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in 2015 and a master’s in educational administration in 2020.
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