Laura Servin, an eighth-grade teacher from San Antonio's Whittier Middle School, learned this morning at a surprise school assembly that she was the sole recipient in Texas for the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
It’s like winning an Oscar but for teachers — and it comes with a $25,000 check.
Governor Gregg Abbott and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath sneaked in for the planned school assembly but neither Servin nor school officials knew the purpose of their visit.
The assembly started like a pep rally with cheerleaders and the National Anthem, followed by the announcement of Servin’s achievement.
She is the first winner ever to be named for the San Antonio Independent School District. The assembly held in the gym is part of the Milken Family Foundation’s coast-to-coast tour honoring top teachers.