Madison teacher Kayla Saxton was surprised with a prestigious national award Thursday morning, recognizing her as one of the top educators in the U.S.
Saxton, a third-grade teacher and ELA department chair at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School, was bestowed the Milken Educator Award – widely referred to as an “Oscar of Teaching” – and a $25,000 cash prize during a schoolwide ceremony. She was given the award based on exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership inside the classroom.
“Kayla Saxton creates a classroom where curiosity thrives and every child feels valued and motivated to excel,” Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop said. “Her passion, leadership, and commitment to her students build confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning. We’re thrilled to welcome Kayla to the national Milken Educator Award network.”
Saxton is celebrated for her classroom’s “whole-child approach” that includes a student-centered environment built on hands-on learning, authentic connections, and differentiated instruction. Her teaching blends research-based practices with real-world applications, such as project-based learning, storytelling, and collaborative activities, to engage all students.
The University of Southern Mississippi graduate prides herself on helping students be the best versions of themselves inside and outside the classroom. Whether it’s building a relationship with their families, organizing field trips, or attending students’ games and church events, her goal is to transform reluctant students into confident communicators and writers. Additionally, she serves as a mentor to new teachers when they come to work for Mannsdale Upper Elementary.
Saxton is the 80th recipient since Mississippi joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1991 and the only educator to receive the honor this school year.
“The Mississippi Department of Education applauds Ms. Saxton for her hard work in creating a successful school community for students academically and teachers professionally through mentorship,” state superintendent Dr. Lance Evans said. “As a new Milken Educator from Mississippi, we are proud she will represent the state’s achievements on a national scale.”
In addition to the cash prize, Milken Educator Award honorees are offered mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy via the Milken Friends Forever program. Saxton will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., next summer.
Since 1987, the Milken Educator Awards have awarded more than $76 million in individual cash prizes, and more than $146 million has been invested in the foundation’s national network. The foundation aims to “celebrate, elevate, and activate” the K-12 profession and encourage young people to consider a career in education.
