Return to Headlines
Posted on 12.19.24
Vanessa Smith, a first grade teacher at Croft Community School, thought she was attending a holiday assembly on Dec. 18 to hear students sing and celebrate the school’s recent academic gains. What she heard was a surprise announcement naming her the winner of a national Milken Educator Award, which comes with an unrestricted $25,000 prize and an immediate place in the spotlight.
“I was honestly in shock and was not expecting to hear my name,” said Smith of the announcement. “I was excited to see whoever did win, but that was an awesome moment. I’m humbled to say the least, but I’m so excited.”
The prestigious award, known as “the Oscar of teaching,” recognizes exceptional early- to mid-career education professionals for their dedication to excellence in education and leadership. Along with the cash prize, which she can use as she wants, Smith will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April.
Smith is National Board Certified and was the first teacher in residence for Classroom Central, where she represented teachers across North Carolina’s southwest region as a teacher leader on the board. At the district level, she has presented on the impact of the pandemic in Title I schools.
“Vanessa Smith’s creative instructional practices not only positively impact her students,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt, “but also inspire her fellow educators. Using tailored instructive methods, Smith ensures students’ academic needs are met, creating a positive impact on their growth. Her commitment to professional development for educators across Croft Community School uplifts the entire school, its students and future Croft Community Colts. By modeling innovation, collaboration and a relentless dedication to student success, Smith exemplifies the profound value educators like her bring to our schools and communities.”
Smith is North Carolina’s 57th recipient of the Milken Award since the honor began in 1987. She joins the national Milken Educator Network, a group of nearly 3,000 top educators who are a resource for those dedicated to excellence in education. She can also become involved in the Milken Friends Forever mentoring program to receive personalized coaching and support from a Milken Educator veteran.
Smith’s win capped an exciting day at Croft, which continues to celebrate recent academic gains. The school exceeded growth for the first time in its history and also increased its School Performance Grade from a D to a C, removing Croft from the low-performing list. In addition:
-
All subgroups met or exceeded growth in both reading and math.
-
There were double-digit increases in both grade level proficiency and college and career ready rates.
-
78% of K-2 students were at or above grade level on end-of-year DIBELS testing.
-
77% of K-2 students met or exceeded growth goals on end-of-year DIBELS testing.
“The entire school – teachers, students, administrators and support staff – have worked hard to achieve these outstanding results,” said Dr. Derrick Jordan, deputy state superintendent of public instruction, at the event. “You guys have done phenomenal work, and we are so very proud of you!”
