Miami Middle School Teacher Gets Surprise Of Lifetime

MIAMI, FL — A Miami middle school teacher got the surprise of a lifetime on Friday or more accurately 25,000 of them. Math teacher Dale Adamson became Florida's only Milken Educator Award recipient this year as local and state officials handed him a $25,000 check at a Howard D. McMillan Middle School assembly.

Known as the Oscar's of teaching, the award recognizes excellence in education throughout the country. the award was presented by Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart and Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley.

"From asteroid algebra to roof-top basket drops, Dale Adamson always keeps things interesting for his students: This definitely isn't your father's middle school math class. Adamson is the X-factor in rising student achievement numbers that find all of his students passing their year-end algebra test, scoring 41 percent above the state average," according to award officials. "By showing how math ties in to world events and everyday occurrences, Adamson is keeping it real for students in the best possible way and boosting engagement with innovative lessons and community relationship building."

Adamson is among only 44 honorees nationwide for the 2017-18 school year. He once climbed up on the school roof to drop student-made baskets from a specific height to illustrate a mathematical solution to a particular equation. When NASA landed a probe on an asteroid, Adamson turned the event into a math and science lesson that explored how algebra made the mission possible. One hundred percent of his Algebra 1 students pass the course’s end-of-year test.

"Dale Adamson was in medical school on his way to becoming a doctor when he changed gears to become a teacher," observed the award program's Foley. "His ability to look at a 'problem' in life, as in mathematics, is part and parcel of what makes him a great educator."

Miami-Dade School Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the award promotes excellence among teachers. “This coveted recognition provides educators with cutting-edge resources to develop their skills as they mentor and collaborate with their colleagues," he said.

In addition to the cash prize, Adamson will have the opportunity to attend a Milken Educator Forum in Washington, D.C., where he will be able to network with other high-performing educators.

The award program has been hailed by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.”

Watch below as Dale Adamson is surprised on Friday with the award:

Photo and video courtesy Milken Educator Awards