INDIANAPOLIS — During the second annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded nearly $5 million to schools and educators across the state. This black-tie event is focused on celebrating and elevating the work of Indiana’s educators as they support student learning.
The gala, which was hosted in Indianapolis on Friday, September 8, brought together over 500 educators and guests from across the state. The event recognized the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana’s 2022 Milken Educator Award recipients and other dedicated educators from across the state. This event also recognized schools that are excelling in key areas such as literacy (science of reading), STEM and rethinking high school.
The largest award of the evening, Excellence in Next Level Educational Experiences and Opportunities, recognizes the school or district making significant strides in preparing students for their future, which includes focusing on literacy, STEM and college and career readiness. The three finalists for this award each received $250,000, and the winner received an additional $250,000.
IDOE also awarded districts with up to $250,000 for excellence in areas including early literacy, STEM, student pathways, college readiness, community collaboration and educator professional development.
Additionally, 16 outstanding educators were awarded with $2,500 each for their commitment to areas such as professional growth, use of technology in the classroom and cultivating community partnerships.
Locally, 2023 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala school/district awardees included Northview Middle School, MSD Washington Township for providing high-quality professional learning support for educators. One of the Excellence in Early Literacy Awards went to Forest Glen Elementary, MSD Lawrence Township. An Excellence in Student Pathways award went to the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, MSD Lawrence Township for programs that prioritize access to opportunities for work-based learning and apprenticeships.
An Excellence in Next Level Educational Experiences and Opportunities award wasa given to Purdue Polytechnic High School for their holistic approach to prepare students for their future, including a focus on literacy, STEM and college and career readiness.
2023 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala individual awardees included a Dedicated Educator Excellence Award to Briana Temple, Instructional Coach, Indianapolis Public Schools. A Lifetime Educator Excellence Award was given to Alan Burrell, Sixth Grade Science, Franklin Township Community School Corporation. Early Childhood Educator Erin Day, Pre-K Special Education, Greenfield Central School Corporation was honored with an award. One of the Digital Innovator Excellence Awards went to Matthew Rodney, History, Purdue Polytechnic High School.
