(Omaha, NE) -- A teacher at a south Omaha elementary school got a big surprise on Friday.
Lisa Moody, a special education teacher at Jefferson Elementary, was presented with a national Milken Educator Award Friday morning at a school-wide assembly. The national honor, from Milken Family Foundation, is bestowed upon a select group of K-12 educators across the country for excellence in education. The award also includes a $25,000 cash prize.
Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop, joined by Nebraska Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Deborah Frison, presented the Award, which has been hailed as the 'Oscars of Teaching.' “Today we celebrate and honor Lisa for her excellence in instruction and dedication to her students, school and community,” said Bishop, who herself is a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. “Her innovative teaching and deep understanding and compassion for her students make a lasting impact in their lives and the lives of her colleagues. I welcome her to our Milken Educator Network and look forward to her contributions.”
“Lisa exemplifies what it means to provide opportunities for all children in Nebraska,” said Frison. “Her work in special education has changed lives, both of her students and all of the students in her school. She has done an outstanding job making sure every student receives the resources and sense of community they need to be successful and receive an excellent education.”