Brittany Tinkler, a second-grade teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Indianapolis, was surprised with the Milken Educator Award this month, an honor often called the “Oscars of Teaching.” Tinkler holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (’12) and a master’s degree in curriculum and instructional leadership (’18), both of which she earned through Indiana Wesleyan University.
Tinkler received the award, along with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, in recognition of her impact on her second graders and her school at large. Using her leadership and mentorship expertise, Tinkler has helped lead the rollout for project-based learning (PBL) for both second and fourth graders at Rosa Parks Elementary School. In her efforts to invest in and improve the learning experience for students, Tinkler has helped other educators incorporate the kinds of effective, innovative instructional practices that she uses as a classroom teacher, immersing Perry Township Schools students in learning experiences rich with authenticity, curiosity and ownership.
Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, along with Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, presented Tinkler with the prestigious honor at a school assembly on February 8, 2023, which was attended by students, colleagues, state and local dignitaries and media.
“Brittany Tinkler is a treasure to Perry Township, drawing from her experience both as a classroom teacher and teacher leader to bring learning to life for her students every day,” said Dr. Foley, who is a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator. “It is no surprise that she calls Rosa Parks Elementary her second home. For Brittany – a proud product of a family of educators – teaching is not only a vocation, but also a volition to help her students and colleagues reach their fullest potential. We are fortunate to have Brittany as a member of our national Milken Educator Award family.”
The Milken Educator Awards, created by Lowell Milken, inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. As a recipient of this honor, Tinkler will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles this April.
To learn more about the Milken Educator Awards, visit milkeneducatorawards.org. For more information on Indiana Wesleyan University’s education programs, visit iwued.com.
About Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University celebrates over 100 years as a Christian, global, comprehensive university providing liberal arts and professional education to approximately 11,000 students worldwide. IWU is one of the largest faith-based universities in America with rich undergraduate, graduate, master's and doctoral programs in such highly acclaimed academic units as the School of Nursing, School of Physical and Applied Sciences, College of Adult and Professional Studies and School of Arts and Humanities.
An early leader in adult and online education, IWU is known for excellence in innovation. Students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre IWU-Marion traditional campus and study through IWU-National & Global programs offered online and at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, founded by the Wesleyan Church denomination and IWU, prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit indwes.edu.