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Teacher surprised, honored by $25,000 award
Goodnoe Elementary second-grade teacher Maryann Molishus said she’s still deciding what to do with the money.
By RACHEL CANELLI

Maryann Molishus come on down! She’s the next recipient of the 2008 Milken National Educator Award. The nine-year Council Rock elementary school teacher became the latest $25,000 award winner Monday morning as officials travel the country announcing more than 70 educators during surprise school-wide ceremonies. So far, Molishus is only the second teacher chosen from Pennsylvania, administrators said. “I’m still shaking,” Molishus said after the assembly at Goodnoe Elementary School in Newtown. “I’m just really honored because there are so many good teachers in our district. And the kids are still buzzing. It’s nice to share it with them.”

Per Milken rules, the awards must be kept secret until names are announced, so no one knew, officials said. So, when the entire school, including Molishus’ second-grade class, packed the school’s gym, the students and staff thought they were there for an assembly with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Instead officials called Molishus’ name.

“I really like to celebrate all students,” said Molishus, 39, of Churchville. “I enjoy learning with them, sharing in their excitement and trying different things like technology. It’s important to integrate that into programs because the children become so engaged and learn valuable lessons. It’s fun to come to school.”

Each year, the grants are given to teachers and principals in an attempt to attract, develop, motivate and retain talented educators. While they are ceremoniously presented with large checks during the school-wide assemblies, the teachers get the real money in Los Angeles, Calif., in April.

The winners can use the money any way they want. Previous recipients have paid for their children’s or their own education, purchased equipment for their schools, established scholarships and funded adoptions, officials said.

“There are so many good things that teachers are doing aside from one award,” said Molishus, mother of two daughters. “It’s really important to show that teachers are doing wonderful things, and that’s the point of Milken.”

In the early 1980s, education reform pioneer Lowell Milken created the awards program to acknowledge educators. Since then, more than 2,300 kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers nationwide have been recognized, according to foundation representatives.

The educators are unknowingly nominated by a blue-ribbon panel in their state. They must demonstrate the following: effective instructional practices, accomplishments beyond the classroom, leadership and motivation, administrators said.

Most recently, Molishus said she and her pupils presented a video conference with five other schools.

She said she doesn’t yet know how she’ll use the money, or celebrate her award.

“Maybe I’ll cancel homework tonight,” Molishus said.