Local Math Teacher Earns National Award

Rim Rock Elementary Math teacher Felicia Casto has been named the 2016-2017 Milken Educator and was awarded $25,000 for her efforts!

There were 34 other educators who were nominated and received special national recognition. However, there can be only one winner and she's Felicia Casto.  She too is the first recipient from the Mesa County Valley School to be awarded since 2002. This season marks the 30^th year of the Milken Educator Awards, hailed by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.”

Today the Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken and Colorado Commissioner of Education Dr. Katy Anthes surprised her with the prestigious Award during a morning assembly. Teachers and students cheered as Casto accept the Award as Mesa County Valley School District 51 Superintendent Steve Schultz and veteran Milken Educator Award recipients were also present to offer well-deserved congratulations.

“Felicia Casto is a dedicated teacher and learner who constantly sharpens her own professional mindset through cutting-edge research and techniques,” said Lowell Milken. “Her innovative ideas and knowledge sharing directly result in teacher effectiveness, student growth and parent involvement. Only a talented educator has the charisma to make Family Math Nights popular entertainment.”

“The Milken Award is a prestigious honor for an educator. As a dedicated and innovative teacher, Ms. Casto has inspired both students and her fellow teachers,” said Superintendent Schultz. “She is a perfect candidate for this honor and a valuable member of our District 51 team.”

Casto earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Colorado Mesa University in 2004 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University in 2009.

Congratulations to Felica and a big "THANK YOU" for all you do. Teachers are truly heroes and deserve our thanks. You can help recognize those that go above and beyond in District 51 by submitting a local "hero" for our Teacher of the Month.