Hailey
A remarkable celebration unfolded at Turner Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas, when English language teacher Lexcee Oddo received a completely unexpected and prestigious honor — the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.
The award announcement took place during a packed school assembly, leaving students, staff, and Oddo herself stunned and emotional.
The Milken Educator Award is often called the “Oscars of Teaching”, highlighting outstanding educators who show exceptional instructional skill, leadership and long-term potential.
This recognition places Oddo among a select group of educators nationwide who are celebrated for transforming student learning and contributing significantly to their school communities.
About the Milken Educator Award
The Milken Educator Award is one of the most respected recognitions in the education field. It honors early-to-mid-career teachers who demonstrate excellence in classroom instruction, student engagement, and professional leadership.
Winners receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize, allowing them to use the funds for personal or professional growth.
Each year, only around 30 educators across the United States are selected, making this achievement highly competitive and truly exceptional. Oddo is the only Kansas teacher to receive the award in the current cycle.
Why Lexcee Oddo Was Selected
Lexcee Oddo is known for her outstanding dedication to English language learners (ELL students), helping children build strong skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Her approach blends high expectations with personalized instruction, ensuring every student feels supported and motivated.
Key strengths that contributed to her recognition:
- Implements research-based literacy strategies for multilingual learners
- Creates a warm, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
- Supports families through consistent communication and engagement events
- Achieved 100% attendance in parent-teacher conferences
- Serves as a structured-literacy trainer for staff
- Leads after-school tutoring sessions to support struggling students
- Actively contributes to the school’s leadership team and collaborates with colleagues
- Demonstrates outstanding ability to boost student academic growth in reading and language development
Oddo’s colleagues describe her as a teacher with exceptional energy, compassion, and instructional expertise, making her a role model for educators within and beyond her district.
Educational & Professional Background
Oddo previously taught second grade for six years, where her students consistently exceeded district expectations in reading and math.
She transitioned into the role of ELL interventionist to focus on supporting multilingual learners, a population she is deeply passionate about.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, preparing her for future leadership roles in the education system.
Award Highlights and Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Lexcee Oddo |
| School | Turner Elementary School, Kansas City, Kansas |
| Award | $25,000 Milken Educator Award |
| Announcement Date | December 2025 |
| Role | English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher & Interventionist |
| Notable Achievements | 100% parent-teacher conference attendance, structured literacy trainer, student growth leader |
| Years in Teaching | 7+ years |
| Specialization | Literacy development, multilingual learning, student engagement |
Impact of the Award
Receiving the Milken Educator Award is more than just a financial prize — it strengthens Oddo’s platform to continue improving literacy education, mentoring teachers, and supporting multilingual students.
The award also shines a spotlight on Turner Elementary’s commitment to empowering students from diverse language backgrounds.
For the school community, it is a moment of pride and motivation, reinforcing the importance of investing in highly skilled educators who transform lives every day.
The surprise recognition of Lexcee Oddo with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated, passionate teachers make every day.
Her commitment to multilingual learners, her leadership within Turner Elementary, and her relentless focus on student success set a high standard for educators everywhere.
This award not only celebrates her achievements but also inspires the entire school community to continue striving for excellence in education.