ROANOKE, Va. – Congratulations to Virginia Heights Elementary School's Caroline Eschenbach!
The third-grade teacher won a national Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 prize.
"Her gains of her students are really extraordinary in terms of helping them achieve and learn to love reading," said Jane Foley, senior vice president for the Milken Family Foundation.
Eschenbach uses data coupled with hands-on experience and evolving educational strategies to analyze student needs, then creates individual plans to amp up their skill sets, according to the Milken Educator Awards.
"I love kids. I love making a difference in their life. I feel like this is the best profession to make an impact with kids' lives and to watch them grow," said Eschenbach.
She received the prize at a surprise school assembly on Thursday.
"I had no idea that this was going to be happening here today, so i'm blown away in the most amazing way," said Eschenbach.
"She is a fabulous teacher. She expresses caring and concern for students every day. We are so proud of Caroline," said Roanoke Superintendent of Schools Rita Bishop.
Eschenbach is one of 40 honorees for this school year and the only Virginia honoree.
She earned a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from Virginia Tech in 2010 and a master’s in elementary education from the University of Virginia in 2012.
Click here to learn more about this award.