Chesapeake teacher surprised with $25K

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A Deep Creek Elementary School teacher was surprised and stunned Thursday when he was honored with the National Milken Educator Award, dubbed "the Oscars of teaching" award by Teacher Magazine.

"Teachers make a financial sacrifice in the name of pay. The money is not equal to the importance of the job," said Milken Foundation co-founder Lowell Milken.

Fifth grade teacher Joel Robins was awarded with a cash prize of $25,000 - no strings attached.

The Milken Educator Awards program was conceived by Lowell Milken to recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourage talented young people to enter the teaching profession. There is no formal nomination or application process. Each year exceptional teachers, principals, and specialists are recommended without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education.

Robins' students outperform students all over the state. Across the board, 100 percent of his students passed the Standards of Learning (SOL) exam.

Wavy.com caught up with Milken while he was on the phone, giving the good news to his Mom.

"I need your help Mom. I just was presented with $25,000. Oh wait, wait... I must not have been listening. It's 25 thousand all for me," said Robins.

Serving as grade-level chair, Robins' teaching extends to both gifted and special needs students. He keeps students engaged using games, hands-on learning and the latest technology.

Robins educates the larger community in addition to his young pupils. He created a video for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) called "Make Monday's Matter" about how to give back to the community. The video will be used to train other Chesapeake teachers so they can bring Robins' enthusiasm and results-driven achievement into more classrooms throughout the district.

The Awards alternate each year between elementary and secondary educators. To find out more about the Milken Educator Award,  CLICK HERE .