GAINESVILLE, Va. (WUSA9) -- A Gainesville, Virginia elementary school teacher received a surprise award Thursday morning.
The Buckland Mills Elementary School second grade teacher, Angie Wytovich, received an unrestricted $25,000 Milken Educator Award at the surprise ceremony that took place at the school-wide assembly.
Wytovich had no idea the event had been organized in her honor.
Dr. Steven R. Staples, Virginia's Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Secretary of Eduation, the Honorable Anne Holton both helped deliver the good news to the second grade teacher. The Milken Family Foundation Co-Founder Michael Milken also made a surprise appearance at the ceremony.
"Angie Wytovich is known for her dedication to students and for her efforts to ensure that each child receives the appropriate attention necessary to succeed in the classroom," Staples said. "Her passion for doing whatever it takes to help students succeed is a model for her profession."
Milken added by saying that the teacher is a leader at her school and gives an example.
"In addition to the challenges all educators face, Angie and her colleagues teach in an elementary school of 700 students where more than 26 languages are spoken," said Milken. "Angie tailors her curriculum to each student, often involving parents through inventive means including translators and on-line forums. The results of this level of attention are striking."
Wytovich is passionate about working with students who are English language learner. She works together with the ELL teachers and helps the community speak with the non-native English-speaking parents.
The methods used with the students have been effective, according to the Milken Family Foundation. Seventy-five percent of Wytovich's students were below the grade level in 2014 and within a half year, nearly all the students met the grade level benchmark.
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Parents have noticed that she is a sought-after teacher, the foundation said.
And these methods have been proven effective, as shown by her students' incredible progress, particularly in reading. Last year, 75% of Wytovich's students started the year below grade level but within just half a year, nearly all met the grade level benchmark.
"Ms. Wytovich is a shining example of what every teacher strives to be," said Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Steven Walts. "She makes learning accessible and exciting for every student and contributes to the success of every colleague. When we speak of Providing a World Class Education, it is teachers like Ms. Wytovich who make it possible."
For the past nine years, the teacher taught third grade, however now teaches the second grade. The teacher is also known to be a mentor in the school and has the nickname "Zen." She got the nickname because she remains calm even when things get hectic and rough, a press release from the Foundation read.
As many as 40 recipients received the award across the county, Wytovich belongs to that number and is the only recipient in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
To learn more about the Milken Educator Award visit: http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/
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