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The ɫ����Ƶis pleased to announce that Michaela Lamarre, a 2010 graduate of the Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program, was presented with the Milken Educator Award in front of a school-wide assembly at Saco Middle School.

Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, and Acting Education Commissioner Dr. William Beardsley presented the eighth-grade science teacher with the award and a check for $25,000. According to the Maine Department of Education, Lamarre is a model educator.  She is technologically savvy, displays natural leadership abilities, fosters critical thinking among students and is attentive to her students’ needs. Parents frequently request that their children are placed in her classes.

The mission of ɫ����Ƶ’s online Master’s in Education program is to develop – through research, service and innovative teaching – reflective teachers and school leaders who are competent and caring lifelong learners. Recognized as one of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report for three years running, ɫ����Ƶ’s online education programs prepare graduates to facilitate positive change in education both locally and across the globe.

“We could not be more proud of Michaela for her accomplishments,” said Martha Wilson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and associate provost for Online Learning. “She has made, and will continue to make, a significant impact as an educator in the state of Maine or wherever her career leads. She is an outstanding representative of our college and the university, as she exemplifies the qualities we wish for all ɫ����Ƶ graduates to possess.”    

The Milken Educator Awards, called “the Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher magazine, were launched in 1987 by the Milken Family Foundation to recognize those furthering excellence in education. Lamarre is the only teacher in Maine to win the award this season, and she is the second ɫ����Ƶ graduate to win the award this year. Peter Arseneault, who graduated with a master’s degree in education from ɫ����Ƶ in 2011, received the award for the state of Connecticut in November.

“We are proud to have not one, but two members of our alumni community recognized on a national level for their commitment to teaching,” said ɫ����ƵPresident Danielle Ripich. “ɫ����Ƶ’s Masters in Education program seeks to prepare the nation’s future leaders in education, and these two former students are leading the charge.”

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