North Fulton County News 10:23 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fulton educator wins ‘Oscar' of the teaching world

  • Print
  • E-mail

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What started Tuesday morning as an academic pep rally quickly turned into one teacher's surprise of a lifetime, as the Milken Family Foundation named Fulton County's Gregory Ott one of its national teachers of the year.

Vino Wong, vwong@ajc.com Greg Ott at Northwestern Middle School in Alpharetta learns on Tuesday that he has been named a national teacher of the year by the Milken Family Foundation.
Vino Wong, vwong@ajc.com Seventh-grade teacher Greg Ott receives a suprise check for $25,000. At left is state School Superintendent Kathy Cox.
Wong, vwong@ajc.com Students packed the gymnasium at Northwestern Middle School in Alpharetta as the Milken prize, considered the 'Oscar' of the teaching world, was presented.

Ott, who teaches seventh-grade language arts at Northwestern Middle School, is the foundation's only Georgia winner. The honor comes with an award of $25,000. The money has no strings attached, so Ott can spend it any way he wants.

The Milken awards, given out since 1987, are considered the Oscars of the teaching world. Fifty-three teachers nationwide have been selected for the honor this year.

What makes the award such a surprise is that there's no formal application process. Instead, names and success stories get passed along by word of mouth to a committee of educators in each state. That committee then investigates the good work, and passes on a recommendation to the foundation.

Fulton teacher Wendy McCarron, a math teacher at Northview High School, won a Milken in 2007.

Inside AJC.COM

Best of the Big A

Best of the Big A

Surprise! Atlanta has some great French restaurants. Vote for the one you think is the best.

Top 10 Tuesday

Top 10 Tuesday

Don't forget Valentine's Day. A pack of commemorative Tiger's women golf balls is the perfect gift.

Can you see the change?

Can you see the change?

What's altered in the two photos? See how you score when you play the Find 5 challenge!

Who's the best dunker?

Who's the best dunker?

Who is the best high school dunker in the area? Your chance to vote is coming up soon.

Soda boosts cancer risk?

Soda boosts cancer risk?

People who down two or more soft drinks a week may have double the risk of deadly pancreatic cancer.

Mardi Gras pets parade

Mardi Gras pets parade

The theme of this year's parade is "Barkus Goes tailgating" in honor of the New Orleans Saints.


Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job