Jackson Free Press

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards recognized Tracee Thompson, an English teacher at Jim Hill High School in Jackson, with a $25,000 award during a surprise visit to the school Wednesday.

The Mississippi Department of Education picked Thompson for the award. MDE officials credited her with developing "creative, engaging lessons that inspire students."

The Milken Family Foundation first presented the award in 1987. The award is designed to provide public recognition and a financial reward to teachers, principals and other educators who have a proven record of excellence in education.

"With research confirming that effective teachers represent the single most important school-related factor in raising student achievement, it is important to honor them, learn from them, and inspire more capable people to enter the profession. As the program's motto extols, the future belongs to the educated," said Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, in a release announcing the award, named for Lowell Milken.

Since 1991, when Mississippi joined the Milken Educator Awards, 69 educators in the state including Thompson have won the award, information from the foundation states.

Thompson also chairs the Jim Hill English Department, sponsors the sophomore class and Drama Club, and is a member of the National Council for Teachers, the School Leadership and School Improvement committees. Thompson has a master's degree in secondary education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in English.