Spokane teacher wins Milken award

Spokane teacher Karen Krantz is Washington’s only educator this year to win a national Milken Award. The surprise announcement came this morning during an Adams Elementary School assembly where students and staff thought they were being honored for a citizenship program. Krantz, an Adams sixth-grade teacher, sat stunned after a senior vice president of the Milken Family Foundation read off the teacher’s name. A student’s hug and a standing ovation finally prompted her to go up front and accept the award. Krantz joins 40 other teachers nationwide as honorees. The award comes with a $25,000 prize. Since 1987, the Milken awards have been given to thousands of educators in the U.S. The purpose of the award is to attract, retain and reward outstanding educators. Krantz’s “focus on student achievement is extraordinary,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction. “Ms. Krantz is a role model for both students and educators. Her dedication and hard work are reflected in her exceptional results.” The last Spokane teacher to win a Milken was Shaw Middle School teacher Kymberly Larson.