There were screams of surprise at PS 282 in Park Slope as science coach Natasha Cooke Nieves won a $25,000 cash award. Nieves was among four teachers from New York state to win a grant from the Milken Family Foundation for accomplished teachers.
Hundreds of children gathered in the school's gymnasium for what they thought was just an assembly period. As the kids sat on the floor, State Commissioner David Steiner, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, and Lowell Milken of the Milken Family Foundation gave short speeches about the importance of teaching before laying out the reason for their visit. Reporters had been told in advance about Nieves's prize but were sworn to secrecy because the winning teacher didn't know anything about her selection.
As Milken read her name, the children and teachers erupted in cheers and shrieks. She had been standing against the back wall with other teachers and slowly walked to the front as excited children circled around her. She was presented with a giant mock check. Chancellor Klein told her: "You represent everything we're about." He added, "Now you're getting not just the recognition but the cash to go with it."
Nieves was a science teacher at PS 282 for ten years, and now provides professional development to teachers at 21 other schools to help them with their science and math classes. She's also an adjunct professor at Brooklyn Colege where she teaches elementary science education. She told the students, "Without you, boys and girls, we the teachers would not be here. Remember that you are our future and you're going to be teaching us some day."
When asked later what she would do with the money she said she'd "probably continue to use it to go back to school!"
The Milken grants have been given out to accomplished teachers around the country since 1987. A total of 55 were selected by state panels this year; New York had not competed until 2010. The teachers' nominations are a secret, and the foundation announces each selection with a "surprise" visit to the winner's school.
But while the head of the principals union was present for Nieves's award, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew was noticeably absent. The Milken Family Foundation was created by former junk bond financier Michael Milken and his brother Lowell, who founded a charter school in Los Angeles. Charters rarely hire unionized teachers.
Mulgrew issued a statement saying he didn't think it would be "appropriate" to attend the Brooklyn event. The union cited Lowell Milken's financial support for the Republican party and groups including Freedomworks, which endorses what Mulgrew called "a right-wing agenda that the UFT is strongly opposed to."
The union also claimed its chapter leader and two other teachers at PS 282 had been assigned to a meeting off-site when the award was presented, to avoid causing trouble. Chancellor Klein said he didn't know anything about that, but that "I would hope we could all come together to celebrate great teaching" and that he's grateful for the Milken Foundation's support. "It's just unfortunate that everything gets reduced to politics," he added.
Given the fact that Mr. Milken helps fund groups like FreedomWorks that endorse a right-wing agenda that the UFT is strongly opposed to, I didn’t think it was appropriate for me to attend today’s event.”
Comments [4]
It is unfortunate, but not surprising that the UFT does not support good teachers who do not adhere to their own agenda. Good teachers generally put in more time and think independently about education in order to meet the needs of the classroom first, rather than the agenda and schedule built into the contract. For example, those of us who arrive at 7 A.M. or work until 5-6 P.M. are often dressed-down by union leadership. And our political party, while our own free choice, should not be a criteria for working as a union member. Congratulations to this teacher for helping as she saw best to serve the needs of her fellow teachers and students. Amen!
As an active parent at Ps 282 it is with pride that I congratulate Ms Cook-Nieves on her award as I have seen the type of dedication, committment and pride that she performs her duties. She is truly a great science teacher.
I am a 282 parent and I continue to honor Ms. Cook-Nieves and all other teachers. It takes their continued commitment, compassion, and dedication to help shape our children's lives and future. Thanks for all you do every day to make a difference.
Congratulations! It's great to see recognition going to where it belongs. Just for today, let's ignore the politics --- and the criminal history of the Milken family.
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