Teaching honors go to two from ESU

The two Kansas winners of a prestigious education award are Emporia State University degree-holders. Jamelle McConnell-Brown, a forensics coach and speech teacher at Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kan., and Eric Kessler, a biology and zoology teacher from Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kan., were surprised by the awards presented during assemblies at their respective schools in late October.

The Milken Education Awards are presented to outstanding elementary and secondary teachers, principals and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education.

Jamelle McConnell-Brown	Eric Kessler

Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in education at ESU in 1998. Kessler completed his master’s degree in biology at ESU that same year.

The Milken Educator Awards are announced each year at assemblies staged at each teacher’s school. The group seeks out teachers who show strong leadership skills that inspire others and use innovative practices to achieve results. Regarded as the Oscar of teaching, the Milken Education Award comes with a $25,000 cash prize to each recipient, an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, and membership in an elite group of teachers.

Brown and Kessler both had fond remembrances of their educational experience at Emporia State. “I always tell students and parents that ESU was one of the best things that happened to me,” said Brown.

Kessler, meanwhile, was putting thoughts on paper for a more formalized thank-you.

“Emporia State most certainly had a big influence on my current teaching,” Kessler said. “I’ve been jotting down ideas for a letter I want to write thanking everyone who’s had an impact on me.”

Last Updated February 11, 2008>