DC Principal Rachel Tommelleo Wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award

Rachel Tommelleo, the principal of Center City Schools’ Brightwood Campus has won the Milken Educator Award which comes with a cash prize of $25,000.

Tommelleo is among D.C.’s 40 teachers honored nationwide, and the only recipient from the district for 2018-19.

Milken Family Foundation President and Co-Founder Mike Milken awarded Tommelleo on a visit to the Brightwood Campus. “Rachel Tommelleo has proven to be an effective, compassionate and committed leader who has helped make Brightwood an outstanding school. Most importantly, she has made the school a safe and nurturing place where students get a strong start on the path to further education and lifetime success,” said Milken.

The Brightwood Campus serves pre-K through eighth grade in Washington, D.C. Every student in the school is considered to be part of a “Brightwood Family.” In order to give access to every student with the staff and peers for their academic, social and economic growth, Principal Rachel Tommelleo has designed a school family program called “hack”.

Tommelleo knows all students by their names and interacts with them every day. She had also started a No Bully Project and Kindness Challenge initiative for the students. The principal is known to remove all obstacles for students and staff to thrive and excel, creating a vibrant and healthy school culture.

State Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang also visited Brightwood and appreciated the faculty and students for their academic excellence. Kang commended Tommelleo for being an excellent educator, for motivating teachers and parents, and creating schools where students can thrive.

“Principal Tommelleo’s approach to data-driven instruction, engaging with families, and empowering her staff have had a powerful impact on ensuring students can learn and thrive,” said Kang, adding that The Milken Educator Awards celebrate educators and their work for school communities.

After Tommelleo completed her first year as a principal, Brightwood also won the National Title I Distinguished School Award for closing gaps for subgroups and students with disabilities. The Public Charter School Board has also awarded a Tier I commendation to the school for excellent performance of their students. The graduates from the school are selected in D.C.’s most competitive high schools.

Teacher magazine has named The Milken Educator Awards as the “Oscars of Teaching.” The award is meant to reward great teachers and also celebrates innovators in the classroom who are teaching the next generation of leaders in America.