CLINTON, Tennessee — A local assistant principal has won a national award dubbed the "Oscars of Teaching."
On Thursday, Assistant Principal Abbey Kidwell of Clinton Elementary School was named the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award—one of the highest honors in education.
The Milken Educator Award website said Kidwell's work has "contributed to Clinton Elementary’s consistent designation as a Tennessee Reward School for academic growth."
Alongside the reward, Kidwell will get $25,000 in cash.
"Congratulations to Ms. Kidwell on representing the state of Tennessee by receiving the prestigious Milken Educator Award," Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds said. "This well-deserved award is a testament to the impactful service and leadership she demonstrates to her students, community and the educator profession.”
The Milken Educator Award was established in 1987 and was created to "reward and retain the highest caliber professionals in the education profession." It specifically recognizes early-to-mid-career educators for both their achievements and the promise of their future accomplishments, according to the Milken Educator Award website.