Laramie Teacher Recognized For Excellence With $25,000 Milken Award

Laramie Middle School STEM Teacher Garrid Halsey was recognized for excellence in teaching on Friday with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

Mr. Halsey showed up for what he thought was an assembly celebrating the school's overall excellence. But it turned out to be much more than that, as Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and Milken Educator Awards Vice-President Jennifer Fuller stepped up to the microphone to announced that Halsey was being given the $25,000 cash prize. A cheering assembly of students, educators, dignitaries and media roared their approval with a loud cheer.

“Through innovative instruction and hands-on STEM experiences, Garrid Halsey empowers his middle school students to think boldly, experiment confidently and discover the joy of learning,” said Fuller, herself a 2017 Texas Milken Educator. “His classroom is a place where curiosity is celebrated and students are prepared at an early age to positively impact our global economy.”

Halsey is the only Wyoming teacher recognized with the award for this school year. He is the 52nd Cowboy State Teacher to win the recognition since Wyoming joined The Milken Awards program in 1994.

“Garrid Halsey understands that not every student learns best by memorizing facts from a textbook,” said Superintendent Degenfelder. “By providing rigorous, project-based learning, Halsey does not just teach students, he brings their lessons to life. Halsey’s student-centered approach, as well as his dedication to mentoring other teachers, makes him an exceptional teacher that Wyoming is proud to have in our state.”