Fairland Elementary Teacher Wins Prestigious Milken Educator Award

SILVER SPRING, MD — Dion Jones, a third-grade teacher at Fairland Elementary School in Silver Spring, was named one of 40 recipients from across the country to receive the prestigious Milken Educator Award for the 2022-2023 academic year, according to a release.

Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury presented the award to Jones, during a surprise ceremony Tuesday in the school's gym.

“Dion Jones’ impact has a ripple effect across his students, their parents, his colleagues and his community,” said Foley, who is herself a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, in the release. “In his young career, he has already demonstrated himself as a leader, a teacher of excellence and a mentor to students and staff alike. For this, we are honored to present him with the Milken Educator Award today!”

Choudhury applauded Jones for his passion for teaching and commitment to his students.

"By thoroughly understanding the needs of his students and tailoring lessons to each scholar's personal interests with enthusiasm and empathy, Mr. Jones has catapulted his students to success and enabled them to reach their highest potential," Choudhury said. "The State of Maryland congratulates Fairland Elementary School, Montgomery County Schools and Mr. Jones for their steadfast dedication to Maryland students."

In addition to the award, Jones received an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles in April to attend the Milken Educator Awards Forum and a $25,000 check, which he can use however he sees fit. The money can be used to pay for his or his students' continuing education.