Two South Dakota educators honored with $25,000 awards

Marletta Eich, a 2nd-grade teacher at Washington Elementary in Madison, and Darrell Mueller, principal at Platte Elementary School, were honored with $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards Oct. 8. Gov. Mike Rounds and Education Secretary Rick Melmer presented the awards.

“These educators represent the cream of the crop. They are leaders in their schools, in their profession and in their communities,” said Gov. Rounds. “We’re thrilled to recognize their efforts and to highlight the critical role that South Dakota educators fill in shaping the lives of students and, truly, the future of our state.”

Educators are recommended for the prestigious Milken award by a panel appointed by the South Dakota Department of Education. Recipients are selected on the basis of criteria such as: exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding practices in the classroom, school and profession; long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and an inspiring presence that motivates students, colleagues and the community.

Marletta Eich is described as a teacher who presents every lesson in a meaningful way. Her recent efforts range from getting students involved in South Dakota Kids Voting to creating a unit on seat-belt safety that included testifying before a legislative committee. Eich has been teaching since 1983 and has spent the last 10 years at elementary schools in Madison.

A veteran educator, Darrell Mueller currently serves as principal of Platte Elementary School. Mueller is known for his dedication to students and to improving student achievement. He energizes students and teachers alike with his generous, sincere and fun-loving approach. Mueller has been in the education field since 1980, starting his career as a teacher in a four-room rural school.

The Milken National Educator Awards were created by Lowell Milken in 1985 to celebrate, elevate and activate the highest caliber professionals in our nation’s schools. From Oct. 5-15, 100 unsuspecting K-12 teachers, principals and specialists throughout the United States will be surprised with the news of their $25,000 awards.

In addition to the cash award, each educator receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a professional development conference in May 2005.