Amy Macaleer ('01)

Amy Macaleer was one of only two Virginia teachers to receive the prestigious national Milken Educator Award for the 2007-08 school year. The Milken Family Foundation Awards program provides public recognition and financial rewards to education professionals who are furthering their excellence in education. Amy currently teaches math at Battlefield High School and wouldn't have it any other way. She says, "Just to know that you helped out one student makes the time and effort that you need to put into the job completely worth it." Amy's students are not only scoring higher than the national average on their standardized tests, but they are also learning in a fun and creative way. Amy puts together captivating and stimulating lesson plans to further their learning. "I like to make class interesting and get students' attention. We play bingo, Jeopardy and Pictionary from time to time." Amy is only the second JMU alum to receive this notable award, and she plans to apply the reward toward her tuition for her doctorate degree, hoping to teach at the college level and work with future math educators.

"The first time, and every time after, that a student thanks you for something that you have done for them, it makes a world of difference."