The Alhambra Elementary School District is proud to celebrate national recognition for one of our educators.
During a state visit to Westwood Elementary School, our K–4 Academic Coach, Angelica Garcia, was surprised with the prestigious Milken Educator Award, one of the highest honors in the education profession. The announcement was made by Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne alongside leaders from the Milken Family Foundation in front of students, staff, and other community members.
Often referred to as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Award recognizes outstanding educators early to mid-career for their impact, leadership, and potential. The award includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and membership in a national network of more than 3,000 Milken Educators across the country.
"Angelica Garcia represents the very best of Alhambra,” said Dr. Cecilia Maes, Superintendent of the Alhambra Elementary School District. “Her dedication to students, her leadership among colleagues, and her commitment to continuous improvement embody the excellence we strive for across our district. This national recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
“Angelica Garcia is a dedicated leader and trusted mentor who gets results,” said Dr. Joshua Barnett, CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. “She understands that strong instruction, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement are essential to student success.”
Garcia is Arizona’s sole Milken Educator Award recipient for the 2025–26 school year. She is the 46th educator in the state to receive this honor since Arizona joined the program in 1998 and one of only 30 educators nationwide recognized this year.
Superintendent Horne praised Garcia’s dedication, emphasizing the critical role educators like her play in supporting students and strengthening school communities.
The Alhambra Elementary School District congratulates our educator, Angelica Garcia, on this well-deserved national honor and thanks her for the leadership, care, and commitment she brings to our students, staff, and families every day.