Siegel High School AP Honors English teacher Matthew Marlatt today
received a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, an honor given
to select outstanding educators each year.

Education Commissioner Timothy Webb presented the award during a surprise
ceremony at the school this morning, part of the Milken Family Foundation’s 2009
National Notifications tour recognizing this year’s award winners.

“Teachers are the cornerstone of our school systems,” Commissioner Webb said. “I’m
honored to be able to recognize such hard work and dedication. Mr. Marlatt is an
example of the kind of teachers we have across this state.”

Mr. Marlatt has been teaching since 1996 and is a member of the National Council of
Teachers of English. His peers say he constantly strives to improve himself and his
students. During his lunch time, he often reads to elementary school students or his
daughter’s class.

The Milken National Educator Award was created to focus attention on the need for
excellent educators and encourage qualified individuals to enter the profession.
Recipients have demonstrated positive results in the classroom, educational
accomplishments outside the classroom, a potential for leadership and the ability to
motivate students, colleagues and the community. For more information, visit
www.mff.org.

Mr. Marlatt and other award recipients from across the country will be recognized at the
Milken National Education Conference in spring 2010.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 2531960 or Rachel.Woods@tn.gov.

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