NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: November 30, 2011
Contact: Cecily McNair, Director, Mississippi Teacher Center, 601-359-3631
Wendy Polk, Director of Communications, 601-359-3706

Lovett Elementary Math teacher surprised with $25,000 award

JACKSON, Mississippi (November 30, 2011) –Michelle Brister, a sixth grade math teacher from Lovett Elementary School, is the latest Mississippian to receive a $25,000 unrestricted financial award from the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards-during a surprise notification event today.
"This is truly an honor and we are all very proud of Ms. Brister," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Burnham. "She is an excellent example of a teacher that is dedicated to helping her students succeed inside and outside of the classroom."
Brister is an eleven year educator who uses creative strategies to engage students and teach mathematical concepts. After her first year at Lovett Elementary School, students in her classes scored 87 percent proficient or advanced on the MCT.
"Her positive attitude and love for teaching children are reflected in the outstanding quality of teaching that she provides her students," said Lovett Elementary Principal Richard Burge.
The Milken Family Foundation Award was first presented in 1987 and is designed to provide public recognition and a financial reward to teachers, principals and other educators who have a proven record of excellence in education.
Brister was chosen by a Mississippi Department of Education-appointed blue ribbon committee that identified candidates for evaluation and selection. The selection process is confidential and does not include the submission of nominations or applications.
Mississippi has participated in the program since 1991, with a total of 66 state educators receiving more than $1.6 million from the Milken Family Foundation, a private-non-profit organization. Nationwide, Milken Family Foundation has given away more than $60 million as part of the awards program.

In Photo - State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Burnham, Milken Award Winner Teacher Michelle Brister, Milken Family Foundation VP Dr. Jane Foley.

In Photo -Milken Award Winner Teacher Michelle Brister, Milken Family Foundation VP Dr. Jane Foley.

###