MOC-Floyd Valley Teacher Receives $25,000 Milken Award.

(Des Moines, October 15, 2003) - A MOC-Floyd Valley teacher today
received a 2003 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Russel Adams, MOC-Floyd Valley High School principal, learned of the honor during a surprise announcement made in person by Ted Stilwill, director of the Iowa Department of Education. The Milken Educator honor carries with it a $25,000 financial award, to be used at the recipient's
discretion.

Adams earned the honor in part because of his leadership in developing
effective assessment practices that are based on research and data. He
is a recognized consensus-builder, preferring to work with teams and
study groups to implement the most appropriate programs to best meet the needs of students. In addition, Adams focuses on helping teachers reach their highest potential through staff development and assessments.

Adams is in his first year as principal at MOC-Floyd Valley. He was
principal at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School and at Springville High
School, and a teacher at Southern Cal High School and Father Flanagan's
Boys' Home. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of
Northern Iowa, and his Master's degree from Drake University.

Adams is one of two Iowa educators receiving the Milken Educator Award
for 2003. The other recipient, Sara Coleman from Norwalk High School,
was notified in a separate surprise announcement earlier today.

A blue ribbon committee appointed by the Iowa Department of Education
selects the Milken Educator recipients in a confidential process that
does not include a nomination or application.

Adams and Coleman will be presented their $25,000 awards during
ceremonies at the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference in Washington DC in May 2004. A total of 100 educators in 47 states will receive a 2003 Milken Educator Award. The award goes to secondary educators one year, followed by elementary educators the next.

Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards FAQs (PDF)

Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards Fact Sheet (PDF)

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