Lake Stevens News
Award and $25,000 goes to LSHS teacher
Published on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 by PRESS STAFFRead More Lake Stevens News
A surprised Dan Alderson, English teacher at LSHS, received the Milken Educator Award at an all school assembly on October 25. The award was presented by Tom Boysen, a representative of the Milken Foundation and Superintendent of Public Instruction, Randy Dorn. Only a handful of administrators knew of the award in advance of the announcement.
Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction, was joined by State Sen. Steven Hobbs, Lake Stevens Superintendent Dr. Amy Beth Cook, School Board President David Iseminger and Dr. Tom Boysen from the Milken Family Foundation for the announcement in Lake Stevens.
“Dan truly is a role model for all of us,” Dorn said. “He gives 110 percent every day in the classroom, among his colleagues and in the community. The minute we read his name, the gym erupted. Every kid and teacher in this school admires and respects him.”
As Dan Alderson’s name was announced the student body immediately broke into a chant - Al-der-son, Al-der-son, Al-der-son. Simultaneously his three daughters rushed to the podium hugging their dad.
His daughters, Emily, 14; Eyrn,10; and Eden, 7, were told the morning of the award so that arrangements could be made for their attendance.
Alderson, clearly emotional, was lost for words. He did say, “As Dr. Boysen was sharing the criteria for this award I was thinking of so many of my colleagues for whom this could apply. All I can say is thank you. I’m hoping you are not expecting any great speech other than just, thank you.”
The Milken Foundation recognizes teachers across the nation who exemplify the following: Exceptional instructional practices and student learning results; Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence; Individual contributions to education; Strong long-range potential for professional leadership; and an inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
The award comes with future professional development support and a personal check for $25,000.
Dan Alderson joined Lake Stevens High School in the fall of 2004. He had just completed his teaching degree from Gonzaga University and was a first year teacher competing in a field of experienced teachers for the job. He was hired as a part-time English teacher, which quickly became a full time position.
When attending high school Alderson was seriously thinking about teaching as a profession, motivated by a teacher he had for social studies, Robert Whalen. However, after talking to family and friends he was influenced that he would never make enough money in the teaching profession. He worked instead in the grocery business.
Twelve years later, feeling unfulfilled, he went back to school. He attended Spokane Falls Community College for two years and onto Gonzaga University to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.
When asked what motivates him in the classroom he said it was his passion and love of students and finding ways to reach and teach each one, whatever it takes. Alderson shared, “My guide is ‘What’s best for kids?’ – I use the ‘Emily test,’ if it’s not good enough for my daughter, than it’s not good enough for my students."
For more information on the Milken Award please visit www.mff.org.
Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction, was joined by State Sen. Steven Hobbs, Lake Stevens Superintendent Dr. Amy Beth Cook, School Board President David Iseminger and Dr. Tom Boysen from the Milken Family Foundation for the announcement in Lake Stevens.
“Dan truly is a role model for all of us,” Dorn said. “He gives 110 percent every day in the classroom, among his colleagues and in the community. The minute we read his name, the gym erupted. Every kid and teacher in this school admires and respects him.”
As Dan Alderson’s name was announced the student body immediately broke into a chant - Al-der-son, Al-der-son, Al-der-son. Simultaneously his three daughters rushed to the podium hugging their dad.
His daughters, Emily, 14; Eyrn,10; and Eden, 7, were told the morning of the award so that arrangements could be made for their attendance.
Alderson, clearly emotional, was lost for words. He did say, “As Dr. Boysen was sharing the criteria for this award I was thinking of so many of my colleagues for whom this could apply. All I can say is thank you. I’m hoping you are not expecting any great speech other than just, thank you.”
The Milken Foundation recognizes teachers across the nation who exemplify the following: Exceptional instructional practices and student learning results; Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence; Individual contributions to education; Strong long-range potential for professional leadership; and an inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
The award comes with future professional development support and a personal check for $25,000.
Dan Alderson joined Lake Stevens High School in the fall of 2004. He had just completed his teaching degree from Gonzaga University and was a first year teacher competing in a field of experienced teachers for the job. He was hired as a part-time English teacher, which quickly became a full time position.
When attending high school Alderson was seriously thinking about teaching as a profession, motivated by a teacher he had for social studies, Robert Whalen. However, after talking to family and friends he was influenced that he would never make enough money in the teaching profession. He worked instead in the grocery business.
Twelve years later, feeling unfulfilled, he went back to school. He attended Spokane Falls Community College for two years and onto Gonzaga University to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.
When asked what motivates him in the classroom he said it was his passion and love of students and finding ways to reach and teach each one, whatever it takes. Alderson shared, “My guide is ‘What’s best for kids?’ – I use the ‘Emily test,’ if it’s not good enough for my daughter, than it’s not good enough for my students."
For more information on the Milken Award please visit www.mff.org.
