Teacher Surprised With $25K National Award In Anne Arundel County

PASADENA, MD — Teacher Bradley Absher entered an assembly last Thursday, thinking it was for his Pasadena school's gifted and talented students.

In reality, the assembly was to surprise Absher with a $25,000 prize and a national teaching award.

The fifth-grade teacher at Bodkin Elementary was honored with the Milken Educator Award. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” a maximum of 75 teachers will win the honor nationwide this school year.

“I just can’t believe it,” Absher said after the award. “I just love this school. I love every moment of my job, but it is nice to be recognized for all of the hard work and long hours that we put in. Honestly, the best recognition was to hear the students, even ones that I don’t teach, chanting my name.”

Bodkin Elementary School Principal Bonnie Myers called Absher “an amazing role model for our students.”

“His enthusiasm for learning is sincere,” Bodkin Elementary School Principal Bonnie Myers said in a press release. “Year after year, he takes on more leadership responsibilities. He can’t wait to learn more to grow in his field. He is such a great representative of the quality of teachers in our Bodkin family.”

After the assembly, Absher invited special guests to his “Mad About Math” club.

“He’s probably the best teacher that anyone could have,” one student said in the release. “He’s prepared us to do middle school stuff. We know exactly what to do and we’re ready.”

Maryland Interim State Superintendent of Schools Carey M. Wright called Absher's efforts “truly commendable.”

“We thank him for going above and beyond by tutoring students after school and being active in the community. I also appreciate his ability to find creative ways to teach math skills and connect mathematics to tangible topics and places children can investigate and learn from through their experiences,” Wright said in another press release. “Great teachers like Bradley have a long-lasting effect on a student’s success and I thank the Milken Family Foundation for recognizing and celebrating great teaching in Maryland.”

Absher is the second and last Milken Educator from Maryland this year. The other is Maggie Arnold of Frederick.

“Through creative, hands-on instruction and collaboration, Bradley Absher is providing an unforgettable learning experience for his students,” Milken Educator Awards Senior Program Director Greg Gallagher said in the release. “His commitment to ensuring all learners reach their potential is inspiring and makes him an exciting addition to the national Milken Educator Network. Congratulations!”

More information on Absher, including a video of his acceptance speech, is posted here.