NW Valley Times

Principal Nathan Tedjeske, a Grand Canyon University (GCU) alumnus, recently won the Milken Educator Award at Cody High School in Wyoming. This national honor is often referred to as the “Oscars of Teaching.”

“I come to work every day as the luckiest man in the world,” Tedjeske told a crowd of teachers and students. “It’s a testament to you guys. We talk about how great our students are. I can’t say it enough, you guys are incredible.”

Tedjeske is the third GCU alumnus to receive this award this year, following Aga Cook and Ashley Meyer, who were honored in December. This makes him the fifth GCU graduate to win in three years.

“I appreciate the foundational knowledge to get my feet on the ground and learn what administration was going to look like,” said Tedjeske regarding his 2018 master’s degree in educational administration from GCU.

GCU’s College of Education (COE) has seen numerous alumni receiving educator awards at various levels. The college has compiled a list that now exceeds 100 honors.

“It is so uplifting and heartwarming. Not only are our teachers staying in the field, they are excelling,” said Dr. Alicia Kozimor, COE faculty chair.

Kozimor attributes this success to the quality of GCU’s programs and faculty who prepare students for real-world classroom experiences.

Melissa Martin won the Milken Educator Award in 2022 for her work at Chinle Junior High School in Arizona. Tedjeske has also been recognized for creating learning experiences that prepare students for college and careers through initiatives such as career and technical education classes and internships with local companies.

“The goal is we want to give kids exposure when they are making a decision as big as what they are going to do with their lives,” he said.

Kozimor also highlighted another reason for GCU alumni's success: “We have a special student body who are missional at their heart. They feel a calling to be in education and have their faith behind them as well.”

When Melissa Martin received her Milken award, officials cited her “care and compassion” for students. “It makes my heart; it breaks my heart,” she told GCU News about being an educator, adding that there is always something new to learn each day.

Tommy Tryon received his master's degree from GCU in 2020 and won the Kansas Horizon Award in 2021 after an overseas deployment with the National Guard ended in 2018. He emphasized that his education at GCU was very hands-on and immersive, which helped him build strong relationships with his students.

“You have to have empathy. If kids see you care about them as people, they will be better students for you as well,” he said.

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at [email protected]

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