![Caleb Flores throwing his hands up in celebration](/news/images/caleb-flores.jpg)
Photo courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation
Since 1987, the has been recognizing top educators across the United States. Known as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards honor excellence and specifically target early-to-mid-career education professionals who are currently accomplishing great things and show promise that those accomplishments will continue. This year, the sole winner of the $25,000 award from Colorado was Greeley native and University of Northern Colorado alumnus Caleb Flores.
Flores, ‘16, M.A. ‘21, is an English language arts, reading and Culturally Linguistically Diverse teacher at Greeley West High School. He was surprised with the award during a school assembly on Dec. 15 that was presented by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Córdova.
"I heard them call my name and I couldn't believe it, I was shaking. It felt surreal," Flores told the Milken Family Foundation.
Flores has been described as an advocate for equitable education, ensuring all students, particularly those who are English Language Learners, have access to the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. He also serves as a mentor teacher to new hires at Greeley West and as a family and community liaison at the community college and in the high school.
"My grandpa went to school in Texas and he would be hit with a paddle every time he spoke Spanish. So, having that perspective of how times haven't always been easiest, I teach because I want my students to know that what they look like, where they come from and no matter what language they speak they can make something of themselves," Flores told the Milken Family Foundation.
Flores letting his wife know he won the award
Flores was one of just 75 recipients across the country who will be honored in 2023-24 as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s Journey to the 3,000th Milken Educator. Read more about his accomplishments and see more of his reaction to receiving .
Photos courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation
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