Tulsa educator gets prestigious recognition

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) – A Tulsa school principal was surprised Friday with a prestigious Milken Educator Award.

Aubrey Flowers, principal at Council Oak Elementary School, was awarded $25,000 and recognized as one of the top educators in the nation. Officials with the Milken Educator Awards say Flowers demonstrates an innovative and inclusive approach to learning and fosters a collaborative environment with colleagues.

“Outstanding principals demonstrate exceptional leadership for their staff and students alike, and Aubrey embodies this each day at her school,” Greg Gallagher, senior program director for the Milken Educator Awards, said in a news release. “Her attention to detail, inspiring dedication and expert ability to spearhead her school through new learning during the pandemic are just a few reasons why we are proud to honor Aubrey today.”

Flowers got the surprise during a school assembly.

In addition to the financial prize, Flowers will now get to network with other top educators and get access to professional development opportunities. She’ll attend the all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles this June.

More than $140 million in funding, including $70 million for the individual cash awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative over the years.

Oprah Winfrey, a supporter of the awards, shared a video message for this year’s honorees.