AWARDS:
MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARDS
(Updated 5/9/13)

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program provides public recognition and financial rewards to elementary and secondary schoolteachers, principals and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education. By honoring outstanding educators, the program strives to attract, develop, motivate and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching.

• Recipients:
  • 2012 Milken Educator Award
  • Previous Years
• Award Criteria
• More Information

Matthew Hajdun
Champlain Elementary School Burlington, VT

Matthew Hajdun’s fifth-grade classroom at Burlington’s Champlain Elementary dives into the day with a morning meeting then engages in innovative lessons that frequently take students out of the room and often weaves Spanish into the curriculum. Hajdun spent time teaching in a Honduran orphanage when he graduated from Saint Michael’s College, so he’s well-versed in the language. The classroom is not the only place where you will find this fun-loving educator. He makes surprise visits to the gym, where he rollerblades in as "Mr. Quizner" to ask kids exam questions.

As part of a classroom looping program, Hajdun taught his current students last year as fourth graders. He differentiates instruction, which is grounded in the latest research-based information, and is talented at teaching complex concepts. Highly inclusive, Hajdun is skilled with special education students as well as those who are gifted. He teaches social skills, social responsibility, and hosts family picnics, ice skating parties and movie nights. Students become book buddies with younger pupils and Hajdun has even fashioned a cozy spot in the room for kids to head for a break if they are struggling. Student achievement scores for reading, writing, math, and science all rank above district and state averages.

Described as "a stellar cooperating teacher for student teachers," Hajdun is observed by undergraduate education majors as a model teacher. A grade-level team leader, he mentors student teachers, holds a leadership role on Champlain’s literacy team, and heads the grade-level and data teams. Hajdun wrote and led a districtwide reading program and is active in multiple community volunteer roles, many of which deal with literacy. His guiding star: "What is best for children."

Follow Mr. Hajdun's Class on Twitter

Contact Mr. Hajdun

Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of all the following criteria:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school
  
  
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession
  
  
• Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight
  
  
• Early- to mid-career educators who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership
  
  
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community

A Vermont Government Website Copyright © 2013 State of Vermont. All rights reserved