Heritage High School teacher receives national Milken Educator Award
Published November 6, 2026
The Milken Family Foundation presented a 2026-2027 Milken Educator Award to Heritage High School science teacher Lauren Burns in a surprise announcement at the school on November 6.
Virginia Department of Education and Newport News Public Schools officials joined Milken representatives, Heritage students and staff, and special guests as the prestigious national award was given to Burns in the Heritage gymnasium. The award comes with $25,000 from the Milken Foundation, which has been giving the awards for 40 years.
"We are thrilled to have one of our teachers selected for this incredible national recognition," said Newport News Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. "Our teachers go beyond the curriculum to invest in their students' potential in so many ways each day. It's wonderful to see that effort highlighted for Mrs. Burns who is so incredibly deserving."
Burns, like most everyone present, thought she was attending a school assembly for visiting VDOE officials. But after Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conaway spoke to students about education and thinking about post-graduation plans, she turned the microphone over to Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop.
Bishop described the Milken Educator Award and then announced the news that Burns is a 2026 recipient. Totally shocked, Burns made her way down the bleachers from where she was sitting with her students to receive the award.
"There's no greater honor than being recognized as the only teacher in the Commonwealth to receive this national award," Conway said. "You're not only extraordinarily good in your practice and in your profession, but that you continue to have a real impact on kids."
Bishop and Conway presented Burns with a giant check, Heritage's marching band played as part of the celebration and afterwards Bishop gave the visiting officials a tour of her classroom. Two former Milken Award recipients from Hampton Roads were also on hand to congratulate her, along with Congressman Bobby Scott and School Board members.
"Congratulations on the recognition and congratulations, Heritage High School," Scott said.
Burns is one of up to 30 teachers across the country and the only one in Virginia to receive the Milken award this year. A blue-ribbon panel appointed by the VDOE selected her.
Burns is the first NNPS teacher to receive the Milken Award, and is the 53rd Virginia teacher to have been honored with it since Virginia joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1999.
Burns teaches biology and Advanced Placement biology, is Heritage's science department lead teacher, a NNPS model teacher and a dual enrollment teacher.
"I love my job; I love coming to work every single day," Burns said. "I love laughing with you guys. I love teaching you about science and all the really cool things in the world. And I just appreciate this, but I also appreciate the opportunity every day that I have to teach students and hopefully broaden their horizons and see what they can accomplish in life."
The Milken Educator Awards have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards since 1987, according to the Foundation's website. The awards target early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.
