By A.P. Dillon
RALEIGH — Pitt County and Durham County educators experienced a delightful surprise when they were awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award during what initially appeared to be routine school assemblies.
Ainsley VanBuskirk, a first-grade teacher at Pactolus Global School in Pitt County, and Aisa Cunningham, the principal of Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham County, were both named winners of the Award, each receiving a $25,000 prize.
“As our world continues to become more interconnected, Ms. VanBuskirk inspires the next generation of global learners and leaders through best practices and dual language instruction,” State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a statement. “As a facilitating teacher at Pactolus, she helps support bilingual literacy instruction to increase students’ growth and proficiency with some of the youngest learners in our state. The skills Ms. VanBuskirk fosters in her classroom set her students up for success in their journey.”
The Milken Educator Award, not a lifetime achievement honor, is bestowed upon recipients early to mid-career for their achievements and the promise of future accomplishments with the resources and opportunities provided by the award.
The Milken Family Foundation annually bestows the Milken Educator Award to recognize outstanding early-to-mid-career education professionals.
A confidential selection process identifies candidates, who are then reviewed by blue ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education.
In addition to the $25,000 prize, the winners become part of the national Milken Educator Network, a valuable resource for educators and leaders dedicated to excellence in education.
The honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in June 2024, where they will network with colleagues and education leaders.
They will also have the opportunity to join the Milken Friends Forever (MFF) mentoring program, receiving personalized coaching and support from veteran Milken Educators to enhance their instructional practice and contribute to educational leadership.
