- Executive Office of Education
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Media Contact
Jacqueline Reis
BOSTON — Elizabeth Metts, a history teacher at Excel Academy Charter High School in East Boston, was surprised today with a prestigious Milken Educator Award recognizing the significant contribution she has made to her school community.
Ms. Metts is a ninth-grade history teacher and the state’s 52nd Milken Award Winner. Awarded by the Milken Family Foundation, the Milken Award recognizes exemplary elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. The recognition comes with an award of $25,000.
Ms. Metts is one of 30 recipients across the country this school year. Outstanding awardees like Ms. Metts are chosen through the Milken Award’s confidential selection process. She did not know she was a candidate for the award until today’s surprise assembly, where she was presented with her award by Jennifer Fuller, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards at the Milken Family Foundation; Massachusetts Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler; and Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez.
“I’m excited at every opportunity to recognize outstanding educators,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Ms. Metts earned this recognition for her dedication to serving her history students and supporting her colleagues.”
“This year’s Milken winner exemplifies a commitment to serving all students by using creative strategies to support learning and progress,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re fortunate to have educators across Massachusetts like Ms. Metts, who has encouraged students to take on challenging coursework and supported them along the way.”
Ms. Metts has taught history at Excel Academy Charter High School for eight years. She accommodates the needs of all students, who engage in gallery walks, debates, individualized student work, and research projects with frequent feedback and strategies that promote ownership of their progress. Her innovative practices, including “Writing Wednesdays” and “Map Analysis Thursdays,” build critical thinking and academic confidence. Since her arrival, student participation in Advanced Placement World History has doubled—developing a vibrant group of learners who not only immerse themselves in the evolution of civilizations, cultures, and social advances around the world, but also gain an appreciation for their place in it. She is ninth grade team leader, serves on the hiring committee, mentors new teachers, leads professional development, coordinates the National Honor Society, is a Modern Classrooms Project expert mentor and leads a homework club after school. Committed to preparing the next generation of teachers, Ms. Metts coaches aspiring educators through the Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education, her alma mater.
“The Milken Educator Award celebrates innovation, leadership, and impact—which is exactly what Ms. Metts brings to her classroom,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick A. Tutwiler. “Our educators carry the weight of high expectations and shifting demands. Yet teachers like Elizabeth Metts continue to innovate and believe in what is possible for every child. As someone who started their career as a ninth-grade history teacher myself, I am excited to extend my congratulations to Ms. Metts.”
“Our schools are better because of educators like Elizabeth Metts,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Besides being a teacher to her history students, she mentors and coaches other teachers and people aspiring to be educators. Her commitment and the commitment of other educators like her have ripple effects in schools and in the teaching profession, and I am grateful for her work."
Ms. Metts, a Cambridge resident, received a Bachelor of Arts in art and archaeology from Princeton University in 2013, a Master of Arts in arts administration from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2016, and a Master in Effective Teaching from the Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education in 2018.
“Elizabeth Metts is an outstanding educator who makes learning enjoyable and relevant to students’ lives,” said Jennifer Fuller, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards at the Milken Family Foundation, who herself is a 2017 Texas Milken Educator. “She encourages students to harness history’s powerful lessons in their own journeys of self-discovery. This kind of high-level discourse builds independent thinkers who care deeply and contribute fully to the world around them. Congratulations, Elizabeth, and welcome to the Milken Educator family!”
The Milken Family Foundation first presented the Milken Educator Awards in 1987. Massachusetts joined the program in 1997. Since then, $1.3 million has been awarded to recipients in Massachusetts. Recipients can use their $25,000 award in any way they choose.
For more information on the Milken Educator Awards program, visit their website at https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/about/fact-sheet/.
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