Randolph Teacher Surprised With Prestigious Educator Award
RANDOLPH (CBS) – A Randolph social studies teacher was honored during a surprise assembly Friday when she received a prestigious award given out to the top educators in the country.
Michelle Ryan, a Randolph High School social studies teacher, went with her students to a Friday assembly not knowing that she would take center stage.
"They said my name, and I was completely humbled," she told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe. "In shock that moment when they say 'things feel like a dream' probably (was) the first time in my life I've experienced that." She was overcome with emotion, as students chanted her name.
Ryan attributes her success to having high expectations and offering support to the kids.
"Students know that you're willing to help them in any way that you possibly can," she says, "And you structure lessons in a way that's engaging, it's applicable to the real world...I try to help them get lost in the challenging work. Make it relevant."
During the gathering, it was announced that Ryan won the Milken Educator Award and the $25,000 prize that comes with it.
Ryan is the state's 43rd Milken Award winner and the second from Randolph. She was the only teacher from Massachusetts to receive the award in 2015, and one of only 40 nationwide.
"Michelle Ryan exemplifies the hard work and professionalism Massachusetts educators put in every day as teachers, mentors and learners," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester.
The award was presented to Ryan during a ceremony attended by Chester, Milken Educator Awards president Jane Foley, Education Secretary James Peyser, plus a gymnasium full of students and faculty.
"Her lessons require students to build their understanding of the big ideas and the essential concepts of material," said Foley. "This is an example for other educators to follow. She will be an incredible asset to the Milken Educator family."
Ryan, a UMass Lowell graduate, is the chairman of the Social Studies Department at Randolph High School.
She has worked at the school for eight years and teaches throughout the summer months through a learning program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Milton.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
