Quinlan receives 2014 Milken Educator Award

FOSTER – Erin F. Quinlan, a reading specialist and instructional coach, received the 2014 Milken Educator Award for Rhode Island at a surprise ceremony Thursday.
Quinlan, who lives in Providence, is in her second year as a reading specialist and instructional coach at the Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School. She had taught previously in the East Providence schools, after beginning her career as a music teacher and band director in schools in Minnesota.
The Milken Family Foundation, which this year is honoring 40 educators, also provides an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000. The awards are made to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals and specialists that perpetuate excellence in American Schools.
“Although this is only Erin Quinlan’s second year at the Captain Paine School, she has already had quite an influence on the school culture and on student achievement,” said Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist.
Quinlan is co-chairperson of the Curricular Revision subcommittee, co-runs the school Learning Celebrations and co-chairs the Student Council, where she helped organize summer-safety commercials, Gist said. She also is enrolled in the principal residency program.
“Folks at the school say that Erin touches just about every aspect of the school environment,” Gist said, “Erin has made a great impression at Captain Paine, and she has impressed all of us as well as our newest winner of a Milken Educator Award.”
Teachers at school recognize Quinlan as a “trusted colleague” who has made major contributions to student learning, said Patrick A. Guida, chairman of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Through her work on curriculum, her mentoring of beginning teachers and her focus on professional development, Erin truly is a team player who is committed to improving instruction and to advancing the teaching profession – and the Milken Family Foundation today has honored Erin for her commitment,” Guida said.
Since 1990, 72 Rhode Island educators have received Milken Educator Awards.

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