INDIANAPOLIS -
A Pike Township teacher won a $25,000 award with what some call the "Oscars of Teaching."
Wilson Reyes, an English language learner and Spanish teacher at Guion Creek Middle School learned that he won the Milken Educator Award at a special assembly Monday.
The assembly was billed as a discussion on bullying and Reyes did not know he was even nominated for the award. But the speakers were not there to talk about bullying, they were there to talk about Reyes.
"It's an honor to introduce our Milken Award winner, Mr. Wilson Reyes," announced Dr. Tony Bennett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
"The award says you're doing important work," said Gary Stark, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.
Only 40 teachers across the country will win a Milken Award this year. Those lucky enough to win also get $25,000.
"I don't teach because of the money, but today I do," Reyes laughed. "I do this because I love you all."
Reyes has been a teacher for 13 years, the last three at Guion Creek. He teaches English to children in the school's newcomer's program.
"They come in fresh from their countries. I teach them enough English that they would be successful in their classrooms," Reyes said.
He says he was inspired to become a teacher when he was eight years old because of a teacher in Florida.
"I don't do this for recognition. I do it because I love to do it. I left education a long time ago and came back in and I found a new love for it. I've only wanted to be a teacher since I was eight years old so this is fantastic," said Reyes.
As a minority, Reyes says he saw injustice and believes everyone should get an education.
"It's about waking up every single day and knowing you're going to make a difference in someone's life," he said.
The school's principal says Reyes has become an advocate for the Hispanic community. He bridges the gap, helping parents who don't speak English get information they need.
Reyes says he has no idea how he'll spend the prize money.
Milken Award
