TRAVERSE CITY — All Juleen Jenkins-Whall knew was that she was supposed to sit in the front row.
The Traverse City West Senior High teacher joined co-workers and all 1,700 students for an assembly Thursday, ostensibly to recognize technology innovations at the school.
Unbeknownst to Jenkins-Whall and the rest of the school, the assembly was for her.
A national education advocacy group awarded her the 2011 Milken Educator Award before a cheering crowd of educators and students. The honor comes with a $25,000 prize.
She's the only teacher out of 100,000 educators in Michigan to receive the award.
"Greatness in education should be recognized, too," said Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Flanagan, who made the announcement by teleconference to a stunned crowd. He called the awards the "Oscars of teaching."
"It means much more than money. It says you're doing such important work," he said.
Jenkins-Whall has taught chemistry and mathematics at Traverse City West since 2000, but co-workers and students said her role goes much further.
"She is so well-deserving," said math teacher Patricia Brian. "She leads teachers and students. She never gives up on kids."
In addition to her classroom duties, she works as an "instructional leader" for other teachers at West. They turn to her for help and guidance.
"We look up to her," Brian said.
Students swarmed Jenkins-Whall after the ceremony to offer congratulations. They shared in her surprise, but agreed she deserved the award.
"She cares about your personal life. She works around you," said 10th-grader Madison Richter, 15. "She helps you achieve."
The California-based Milken Family Foundation recognizes and rewards outstanding educators and works to expand their professional leadership and policy influence. Based on nominations from schools and officials in state departments of education, up to 40 winners are selected nationwide for their talent, accomplishments, and impact on students and the community.
Jenkins-Whall was humbled and modest after the announcement. She said any teacher at the school could receive the award.
"I get to be in one of the best schools in the state with some of the best people," she said. "If I'm doing a good job in my room, it's because I'm a part of that."
