Middle school teacher, Neal Cronkite, was awarded the Milken Educator Award for his outstanding teaching skills.
The Milken Educator Award recognizes excellence in education. He is one of 44 winners of the award, and is the only winner from Michigan.
Cronkite is a fifth grade math and science teacher at Washington Woods Middle School in Holt, Michigan.
During an assembly on February 2, Cronkite was unexpectedly given the $25,000 award.
According to the Milken Educator Awards website, educators are chosen through a confidential process. Each candidate is reviewed by members appointed by the state department of education before they are finalized by the Milken Family Foundation.
According to State Chief Deputy Superintendent of Education, Sheila Alles, Cronkite is well-deserving of such a prestigious award.
"Neal is a dynamic example of our Michigan teachers," said Neal in a statement. "His use of technology, and approaches in classroom learning, ensures that he is expanding the horizon for all his students. His instructional practices reflect the very best in teaching excellence and achievement."
Besides being a teacher, Cronkite also leads the Stampede Running Club and has coached a library program called "Battle of the Books."
According to a press release from the Milken Educator Awards, Cronkite attends technology and STEM conferences so he can incorporate what he learned in the classroom and share his knowledge with colleagues.
Educators who have won the award also become members of the National Milken Educator Network. It honors education administration for their hard work and dedication to teaching students the best they can.
Cronkite is also invited to attend the Milken Educator Forum that is scheduled for spring of 2018 in Washington D.C.