A Second Rhode Island Educator Wins 'Oscars Of Teaching'

RICHMOND, RI — A Rhode Island teacher received an award from a national nonprofit recognizing her as one of the best in the nation.

In a surprise assembly Tuesday, Paige Leddy, a reading specialist at Richmond Elementary School, received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for her dedication to "infusing the knowledge and love of reading throughout Richmond Elementary School and beyond." She was also recognized for her compassion and flexibility, paired with data-driven decision-making, to cater to the individual needs of each student.

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green was joined by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley to surprise Leddy with the national honor, which includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. Cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries, and media lit up the gymnasium once they realized the true purpose of the gathering.

"Reading opens doors to knowledge and opportunity, and Richmond Elementary School is fortunate to have Paige Leddy as its guide," Foley, who is also a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, said. "Paige’s dedication to the effective implementation of high-quality curricula, sharing best practices and leading with a growth mindset have propelled students and colleagues alike to excellence. I am honored to welcome Paige to the Milken Educator Award family and look forward to the expertise she will bring to our national network."

Leddy will join a national network of more than 2,900 Milken Educators and education leaders across the U.S. She is among 75 educators nationwide, including one other Rhode Island teacher, who will receive the recognition during the school year.

"Paige Leddy’s unwavering dedication to education and her students has illuminated the path to excellence in Rhode Island," Infante-Green said. "On behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Education, thank you, Paige, for your commitment to the success of our youngest learners. Congratulations on this tremendous achievement."

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken Educator Awards celebrate the unique stories of educators making a difference in their students' lives. The awards are not designated for lifetime achievement. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the award.

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