MCPSS’s Travis Wins Milken Educator Award

Mary Travis, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at the Mobile County Public School System’s (MCPSS) Gilliard Elementary School, has been named Alabama’s sole 2024-2025 Milken Educator Award recipient, MCPSS announced. Travis also received an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and is the 42nd recipient in Alabama since the state joined the Milken Educator Awards in 1998. Its history spans nearly 40 years as the nation’s preeminent teacher-recognition program, MCPSS said. Of Travis, MCPSS added, “In science, Travis engages students through daily exploration activities, online lab simulations and science experiments. As a math lead teacher, Travis supervises student teachers; mentors new educators; and trains staff on best practices, differentiated instruction and new technology. She shares data and strategies with colleagues, who seek her guidance as a trusted resource, and opens her lessons for observation…. Her positive influence is amplified through her role as a Gizmo (instructional tool) district teacher leader, a member of the district’s math curriculum writing team and through professional development presentations for the school and district. As the school’s math team coach, Travis works with students and leads them through competitions.”