Norwich Educator Lands Prestigious National Award

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich educator had a huge surprise at a schoolwide assembly: Jessica Chapman received the Milken Educator Award which comes with a $25,000 cash prize.

Chapman is a social studies teacher at Norwich Free Academy.

An assembly was held Tuesday morning at the school. Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker invited Chapman to come to the front of the gymnasium, where she learned she was an award winner.

Chapman is the only teacher in Connecticut selected for the honor this school year.

“Jessica Chapman has adeptly woven her personal and professional experiences to form a beautiful tapestry of dedication and service to her colleagues, students and her community,” Foley said in a statement. “Her nurturing, inquisitive spirit encourages students to expand their horizons, and her leadership and mentorship are gifts to her peers and to Norwich Free Academy’s mission of developing global citizens. We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to the Milken Educator Network!”

Up to 45 educators will be honored with the Milken Educator Award this school year.

"Hailed as the 'Oscars of Teaching,' the Milken Educator Awards continue to inspire educators, students and entire communities to 'Celebrate, Elevate and Activate' the K-12 teaching profession and encourages young, capable people to consider a career in education," a statement from the Milken Awards reads.

This season will reach more than $75 million in individual cash prizes since the awards’ inception in 1987 and over $145 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.