COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Lakes Middle School eighth-grade math teacher Marcus Ross was surprised with a Milken Educator Award at a schoolwide assembly on Wednesday morning.
The prestigious national honor, created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education and is considered the “Oscar of Teaching.”
Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield presented the award, along with its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize that Ross can use however he chooses.
“Today we celebrate and welcome Marcus Ross to our vast and distinguished national Milken Educator Network,” said Foley. “Through his energetic and thoughtful approach to individualized learning, he makes every lesson interesting and engaging while supporting students every step of the way. Congratulations, Marcus, and we look forward to the positive contributions and impact you will make as you continue in your professional journey.”
Ross says he draws from his own experience as a former Lakes Middle School student and Coeur d’Alene Public Schools student from kindergarten through high school. Ross also acts as a coach for cross-country, boys’ basketball and track, as well as an advisor for the Kind Club, which hosts a “Drive by Kindness” event where students and parents are greeted cheerfully while arriving to school.
Ross was honored as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s 2024-2025 Milken Educator Awards season. 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, empowering recipients to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 profession and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education.
“I’d like to thank the Milken Family Foundation for raising the profile of yet another amazing Idaho teacher, and I’d like to congratulate Marcus on this significant achievement,” said Superintendent Critchfield. “Excellent instruction is the bedrock of a high-quality education, and Marcus exemplifies what it looks like when a teacher commits to being the best for their students and community.”