Ann Arbor Teacher Chad Downs Awarded as 2018-2019 Milken Educator

Ann Arbor Open teacher Chad Downs thought he was on his way with the rest of the school to a December assembly to meet Michigan’s Interim Superintendent Sheila Alles. Instead he learned that he had been named a 2018-19 Milken Educator—an honor that comes with an unrestricted $25,000 award to be used any way he wishes.

The Milken Educator Awards, recognizing teaching excellence, target early-to-mid career education professionals for their impressive achievements and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Only one award was given in Michigan this season.

Downs is the first Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) teacher to receive the prestigious award. Downs teaches a third and fourth-grade classroom and encourages students to follow their passions as they direct their own studies and track their progress. In his 15th year of teaching in the AAPS district, Downs touches many areas of the school as the co-curricular director responsible for athletic and academic clubs as well as teaching a course on manners and civility during the school’s twice-yearly Focus Study period. Congratulations Mr. Downs!

Visit a2schools.org for more information.

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