Milken Family Foundation

Miami-Dade Educator Honored with National Award

~ Dale Adamson awarded $25,000 from the Milken Family Foundation ~ 

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Dale Adamson, a mathematics teacher at Howard D. McMillan Middle School, was honored by the Milken Family Foundation during a surprise announcement for his dedication and commitment to providing students with a high quality education in his school’s STEM curriculum. Adamson joins an elite group of educators as one of only 44 nationwide to receive this year’s award.

“I am honored to celebrate Dale Adamson today, as he receives this prestigious award from the Milken Family Foundation,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Because of educators like Mr. Adamson, Florida’s students are gaining the critical knowledge they need to succeed in today’s workforce. With more jobs than ever before in STEM fields, it is critical that students begin developing these skills as early as possible and Mr. Adamson has been integral to his students achieving that goal.”

The Milken Family Foundation is celebrating 30 years of surprising and rewarding teachers. Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, made today’s announcement at Howard D. McMillan Middle School.  

“Dale Adamson was in medical school on his way to becoming a doctor when he changed gears to become a teacher. His ability to look at a ‘problem’ in life, as in mathematics, is part and parcel of what makes him a great educator,” said Foley. “By making math engaging to all students, each in his or her own way, Adamson is demonstrating the type of leadership and initiative we seek in our Milken Educators. We are proud of his innovative and inclusive teaching methods promoting STEM education to all, making a better future for his students, his school and ultimately the larger world.”

Adamson has been an educator for five years and is known for the contagious enthusiasm he has for math. He goes to great lengths to show his students real-world applications and often integrates technology into his lessons. Adamson sponsors the school’s Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering club, in which more than 120 students participate, and he organizes STEM family nights. Adamson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University and a master’s degree from Adams State University.

“The Milken Educator Awards honor outstanding professionals as their careers begin to flourish,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “This coveted recognition provides educators with cutting-edge resources to develop their skills as they mentor and collaborate with their colleagues. Our school district attracts and retains some of the nation’s best and brightest teachers. The Milken Foundation supports our mission of highlighting excellence in the teaching profession and rigor and innovation in education.”

Described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards provide recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering education excellence. 

New recipients are invited to join the Milken Educator Network, a nationwide group of distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education. Florida has had 42 educators recognized with the Milken Award since 1998.

In addition to participation in the Milken Educator Network, 2017-18 recipients will attend a Milken Educator Forum, March 20-23, in Washington, D.C. Educators will have the opportunity to network with their new colleagues and hear from state and federal officials about the importance of maximizing their leadership roles to advance educator effectiveness. 

For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org/.