Nassau County Teacher Honored with National Award

Kristen Musgrove awarded $25,000 from the Milken Family Foundation

Kristen Musgrove, a sixth grade mathematics teacher at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, was honored by the Milken Family Foundation during a surprise announcement for her dedication and commitment to providing students with a high-quality education. Musgrove joins an elite group of educators as one of only 40 nationwide to receive this year’s award.

“Congratulations to Kristen Musgrove on receiving this prestigious award from the Milken Family Foundation,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “High-quality educators are critical to student success and it is clear that Ms. Musgrove works hard every day to ensure her students reach their full potential.”

The Milken Family Foundation is celebrating 32 years of surprising and rewarding teachers. Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, made the announcement at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School.

"Kristen Musgrove knows that math is the ticket to the future in so many fields, and she's helping all of her students to get on board," said Greg Gallagher, Senior Program Director of the Milken Educator Awards. "Even in non-technical situations, sound logic, a rigorous approach and creative mathematical thinking translate into successful problem solving. Musgrove's energy, empathy and ingenuity make her a great teacher—and an inspirational colleague. We're proud to welcome her as a Milken Educator."

Kristen Musgrove is a 13 year educator. She teaches 6th grade mathematics at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School in Nassau County. Ms. Musgrove develops relationships with her students and incorporates strategies to ensure her students are engaged in learning. She has led her district in student performance and learning gains and is dedicated to ensuring every student succeeds. Her influence as an outstanding educator extends beyond her classroom and impacts her school and district. This impact is evident through the increase in student achievement and learning gains her school saw after Ms. Musgrove instituted small-group instruction in the mathematics classrooms. In addition, Ms. Musgrove has facilitated professional development for mathematics teachers across the district and has opened up her classroom as a model for other teachers to observe new strategies.

“Kristen Musgrove is an inspiring, dedicated teacher whose love for teaching and learning shine through every day in her classroom,” said Dr. Kathy Burns, Superintendent for Nassau County School District. “We're excited to celebrate with her as she is recognized as a Milken Educator Award winner.”

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 43 educators recognized with the Milken Award since 1998.

In addition to participation in the Milken Educator Network, 2019-20 recipients will attend a Milken Educator Forum, March 26-28, in Indianapolis. 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.
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For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org. 

Milken Award Recipient, Kristen Musgrove

Kristen Musgrove with Students from Hilliard Middle-Senior High School

Left to right: Tammy Johnson, Greg Gallagher, Kristen Musgrove, Jacob Olivia and Dr. Kathy Burns