A school assembly turned into the ultimate Teacher Appreciation Day for a teacher at Beverly Mathis Elementary School in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
The music teacher was awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award and received $25,000.
Ali Jun "is an exceptional educator who brings passion, care, and joy to every interaction with her students," said Gov. Steve Sisolak, who was present for the award.
Congratulations to Las Vegas music teacher Ali Jun, this year’s recipient of Nevada’s Milken Educator Award, and a $25,000 cash prize! I’m honored to join the celebrations this #TeacherAppreciationWeek and #TeacherAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/biWS1BaJvT — Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 3, 2022
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert was also in attendance and echoed Sisolak's statement, adding that Jun is creative, engaging and a vibrant educator.
"I still am a little bit shocked. I feel insanely grateful and touched. It's amazing," said Jun. "It was really important for me to be positive and uplifting every day. I'm so proud when they sing out of themselves or they try new instruments for the first time and you can see their eyes lighting up and it's a really great emotional outlet for them, too."
Jun received her bachelor's and master's in music education from Syracuse University. She arranges field trips to places like Smith Center, and was noted for how she adapted her lessons virtually through the pandemic.
She was also praised for her integration of academic learning wherever possible through music education.
