Annapolis teacher wins $25,000 prize

Social studies teacher surprised at assembly with Milken Educator Award

By ELISABETH HULETTE, Staff Writer

Published 11/03/09

When Kim Jakovics left the county school system's central office to fill an emergency teaching vacancy at Annapolis High School, she thought it was a temporary move.

Shannon Lee Zirkle — The Capital Annapolis High teacher Kim Jakovics walks in front of six members of the county Board of Education yesterday after learning she had won the Milken Educator Award. The award comes with a $25,000 stipend.

SLIDESHOW

National Milken Educator Award

Kim Jakovics, a government teacher at Annapolis High School, won the National Milken Educator Award which prize includes a $25,000 cash Award.

But she never went back.

Now, six years later, her contributions to Annapolis High - and to that school's turnaround - have won her one of the country's major accolades for teachers, the Milken Educator Award.

"I loved the diversity. I loved the challenge," Jakovics said, explaining why she chose to stay at Annapolis High. "The real world walked by you every day. It's everybody that's in your community."

Jakovics...

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KJ - 2009-11-04 08:43:07

I think she was selected because she is an excellent teacher who truly cares about her students and their lives. She goes above and beyond in a consistent manner when it comes to being prepared to teach her students in innovative and effective ways.

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tracey kersley - littleton, ma - Karma: Neutral

KJ!! - 2009-11-03 17:15:58

If anyone teacher deserves this award it would be her. I graduated from Annapolis High in 2008 and her leadership in the department, in the classroom, and in MUN was an integral part of my development and growth as a student. I am so happy and so proud to have been one of her students.

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Elizabeth Dudley - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

In response to Fred Shubbie - 2009-11-03 17:10:56

Why do some people always have to assume the worst? Ms. Jakovics must be a dedicated teacher. She could have returned to the board of education after the vacancy she was subbing for was filled or later after the school was zero-based. Instead, she chose to keep her teaching position at Annapolis High. She clearly is very willing to remain there, putting in the many hours required by such a demanding school to support her students. I congratulate her!

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C. F. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

insider - 2009-11-03 12:15:47

I wonder if she was selected because she was known at command central, an area known for being completely removed form reality despite its close proximity to the Board.

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible