SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated the second California teacher this year to receive a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Christine Wood, a first grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School in the Bakersfield City School District, learned she was a Milken award winner during a surprise assembly today at her school. She is one of 100 educators across the nation who are being presented this impressive award this year. Davide Busetti of Santa Ana (Santa Ana Teacher Receives Milken Award - Year 2004) was given the same award just last week.

"Ms. Wood is an extraordinary teacher," said O'Connell. "She's always on the lookout for new strategies to teach students that has had a dramatic effect on raising their reading levels. I commend the Milken Family Foundation for searching out teachers like her and rewarding them with much-deserved recognition."

Wood is described by her colleagues as a leader who educates students with respect, rewards them for learning, and has instilled in them a love of reading. Wood has organized several community events, raised donations, and successfully sought out grant money to help further her students' education. Despite being offered employment advances, Wood prefers to stay in the classroom.

Teachers are recommended for this award program without their knowledge by their respective state departments of education. There exists no nomination process for this prestigious award. Teachers are judged on factors such as exceptional educational talent that is evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession; outstanding accomplishments and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and having an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community at large.

Lowell Milken is the chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. He created the largest teacher recognition program, the National Educator Awards, in 1985 to celebrate the nation's most outstanding teachers, principals, and specialists in K-12 education. By year's end, a total of 2,077 educators in 47 states and the District of Columbia will be recognized. The winners have received $50 million in Foundation awards since the program's inception. For more information, please visit Milken Family Foundation [http://www.mff.org] (Outside Source).

Wood will receive an unrestricted $25,000 award to spend as she pleases. She may be reached at Franklin Elementary School at 661-631-5270.