Education Secretary Congratulates Pittsburgh Public School Teacher for Earning 2011 Milken Educator Award

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today congratulated Steven Scoville, an 11th- and 12th-grade Advanced Placement Physics teacher at Brashear High School in the Pittsburgh Public School District, for earning the Milken Family Foundation's 2011 Milken Educator Award.

"This honor demonstrates the high-quality work that Steven performs as an educator, and Pennsylvania is proud to have one of its citizens recognized for exemplary performance in the classroom, as well the difference made in the lives of students," Tomalis said.

Scoville, who has taught for 14 years, holds degrees in Asian studies, studio art and physics, and is certified in secondary science by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

During his career in Pittsburgh Public Schools, Scoville donated his time to assist in the development of the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy for grades 6-12, which opened in August 2009. The academy is designed for students who want to focus their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"Steven does a great job in the classroom and Pennsylvania is fortunate to have him and the thousands of teachers like him educating our children," Tomalis said.  "The hundreds and hundreds of children that he has inspired over the years will also remember the experience in his classroom and the positive influence he has had on their lives."

The Milken Educator Award is one of the nation's top teacher recognition programs that honor K-12 teachers, principals and specialists across the country with a $25,000 individual, unrestricted award. Since the first award was granted in 1987, Milken has awarded more than $63 million to more than 2,500 educators throughout the United States.

"Steven is joining a class of 49 of his fellow Pennsylvanians by being selected for this prestigious award," Tomalis said.  

Part of the selection process included a recommendation by an independent committee within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Criteria for selection to the Milken Foundation included:

• Exceptional education talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
• Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
• Early- to mid-career educators who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

Milken Educator Award recipients are also inducted into the national Milken Educator Network, which is dedicated to reforming and strengthening American K-12 education.

"On behalf of Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania's education community, I want to thank Steven for his dedication and commitment to his students – past, present and future," Tomalis said. "He is one of thousands of Pennsylvania teachers who are devoted to the teaching profession and encouraging their students to achieve success."

Editor's Note:  For additional information about the Milken Educator Award and the Milken Family Foundation, visit www.mff.org.

Media Contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education