News Release - Aurora teacher wins prestigious Milken Award

Oct. 31, 2017

Aurora teacher wins prestigious Milken Award

AP biology teacher at Grandview High School grows knowledge in her classroom

AURORA - High school science teacher Lisa Rodgers won the $25,000 Milken Award today in a surprise ceremony at Grandview High School that was attended by Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken and Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes.

Rodgers is the only Milken Educator Award winner from Colorado this year and is among up to 45 honorees around the country who will receive the national recognition during the 2017-18 school year.
 
Rodgers was chosen for how she creates an engaging, blended learning classroom for her high school students. She records lectures and creates pre-lab videos, allowing students plenty of opportunities to examine or re-examine material. This level of preparation allows her students to complete other activities during class time to further enhance their understanding and aptitude. 
 
“Lisa Rodgers is an advocate for student learning and an educational leader at both school and district levels, always reflecting and revising her instructional methodologies to reach every student,” said co-founder Milken. “By teaching STEM subjects so effectively, I am optimistic about the future scientists, doctors and other vital pathways her students will pursue.”

“Lisa Rodgers serves as a model of excellence to her students, colleagues and community,” Anthes said. “She motivates and inspires her students, advocates for her fellow educators, and seizes every opportunity to grow as a professional.”
 
“Lisa Rodgers is an outstanding teacher who ignites a love of learning and a passion for science in her students," said Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Harry Bull. "She embodies the values of creativity and innovation in designing lessons and uses technology to enrich student learning. I congratulate Lisa Rodgers on this tremendous honor and thank her for her commitment to her students."
 
Rodgers teaches both ninth grade physical science and AP biology. When she took over AP biology three years ago, the program had one half-full class. Now the school has three completely full sections, with 100 percent of students sitting for the AP exam at the end of the year. In Rodgers’ care, students’ AP scores are among the highest in the district; 95 percent of her students score 3 or higher.
 
Rodgers earned a bachelor’s of science in biology in 2002 and a master’s in teaching in 2003 from the University of Puget Sound, as well as a master’s of science in zoology from Colorado State University in 2005.
 
More information about Rodgers, plus links to photos and a video from today’s assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website.
 
Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. In addition to the $25,000 prize and public recognition, Rodgers’s honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 top teachers, principals and specialists dedicated to strengthening education.

To get regular updates on the surprise Milken Educator Award events, follow and use the #MilkenAward hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
 
Learn more about the Milken Educator Awards on the website or call MFF at (310) 570-4772.