Press Releases

Lowell Milken Surprises Math Teacher Tiffany Miera with 2022 CO Milken Educator Award

October 11, 2022

October 11th, 2022 - Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken, joined by Colorado Department of Education Associate Commissioner of Educator Talent Dr. Colleen O'Neil, presented Colorado teacher Tiffany Miera with the prestigious recognition before cheering students, appreciative colleagues, state and local dignitaries, and media. Miera joins the Milken Educator Network of more than 2,900 outstanding educators and leaders from across the country dedicated to strengthening K-12 education. 

Fifth grade math teacher Tiffany Miera has developed an equation for success at Needham Elementary School, her alma mater. Leading with a growth mindset, Miera inspires her students to progress at high levels and helps drive high-quality instruction schoolwide as a mentor to colleagues. That community impact was celebrated today at a school assembly where Miera was surprised with a national Milken Educator Award. The honor includes a $25,000 cash prize that Miera can use however she chooses. 

"Talented teachers like Tiffany Miera provide the kind of guidance and compassion that students carry with them through learning and life," said Lowell Milken. "I commend Tiffany for giving back to the community as a teacher, mentor and leader, and look forward to her contributions on a national scale as a member of our Milken Educator Network. Congratulations." 

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners' list remain a closely guarded secret until each Award is announced. 

"Congratulations to Tiffany Miera on the honor of being named a Milken Educator," Commissioner of Education Dr. Katy Anthes said. "Her dedication to building relationships with her students and their families in and out of the classroom is inspiring. We are excited to continue learning from her innovative work helping students succeed in math!" 

"Ms. Miera is an invaluable member of her school and community," Dr. Colleen O'Neil said. "She is a trusted leader among her colleagues and is dedicated to improving and supporting her hometown of Durango. We are so grateful to have teachers like her in Colorado who offer their talents to mentor fellow educators and demonstrate their passion for student learning."     

The Awards will honor up to 40 elementary educators in the 2022-2023 school year. Over the past 35 years, more than $140 million in funding, including more than $73 million in individual Awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients' careers. 

To learn more about Tiffany Miera, visit the Milken Educator Awards website.