Taylor County teacher surprised with $25,000 award known as the 'Oscars of Teaching'

Sydney Newton just won the highest honor that an educator can receive.

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Sydney Newton thought she was attending just another school assembly Monday morning at Taylor County High School. Then she heard her name called as Kentucky's latest Milken Educator Award winner- and the English teacher was stunned.

"Right before I heard my name, I thought we have a million outstanding educators here in our district," Newton said after the surprise ceremony. "And then I was just in shock."

The prestigious award, often called the "Oscars of Teaching," comes with an unrestricted $25,000 prize. Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley were all on hand to present the honor in front of Newton's students, colleagues and community members.

Newton has taught English at Taylor County High School since she started her teaching career in 2016. In that time, she's made her mark by revamping the English II curriculum to make it more rigorous while adding support systems for struggling students. She also launched a pilot program allowing sophomores to take AP Language and Composition- typically a junior or senior level course-designing it so younger students could handle the advanced material.

Her work has helped boost Taylor County High School's state assessment scores, particularly with the 10th graders she teaches who take those tests each year.

But Newton's impact extends well beyond her classroom. She mentors new teachers, serves on the school-based decision making council, and greets students every morning as part of the security team. She's also sponsored Beta Club, coached digital learning, and advised the yearbook.

"Sydney Newton is an exceptional role model for the students and staff of Taylor County High School," Foley said. "Her dedication is unmatched. Whether leading in the classroom, implementing exciting programs, mentoring colleagues or guiding student clubs to championships, Sydney is constantly raising the bar."

Lt. Gov. Coleman called the Milken Award "the highest honor that an educator can receive," noting it recognizes both teaching excellence and dedication to students. "That certainly sums up Sydney Newton," she said. "All of Kentucky is proud of you, Sydney."

Newton can use her $25,000 prize however she chooses- no strings attached.

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