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James Madison University - Madison - The Magazine of James Madison University - Spring 08 - Index

[Amy Macaleer]
Battlefield High School
mathematics teacher Amy
Macaleer (’01) is a 2007
national Milken Educator
Award recipient.
2007 Milken Educator
By Katie Hudson (’10)
imagine Battlefield High school
mathematics teacher amy Macaleer’s
(’01) surprise when she was awarded
a prestigious national Milken educator
award along with a $25,000
check at a recent school assembly.
only two Virginia teachers received this
award for the 2007-08 school year.
Milken educator award senior vice president
Jane Foley and Virginia superintendent
of public instruction Billy K. Cannaday Jr.
presented Macaleer with the award.
Milken Family Foundation education
awards provide public recognition and
financial rewards to teaching professionals
who are furthering excellence in education.
“The first time, and every time after, that a
student thanks you for something that you
BRIGHTLIGHTS
have done for them, it makes a world of difference,”
says Macaleer. “Just to know that
you helped out one student makes the time
and effort that you need to put into the job
completely worth it.”
a math major and secondary education
minor, Macaleer teaches geometry, algebra
and advanced-placement calculus at Battlefield
High school in Haymarket. it is her
students’ performances on the aP calculus
test that most clearly brings to light Macaleer’s
teaching success. Her students scored
an average of four out of five, compared
to the national average of 3.73. “My class
is fast paced. My students tell me that they
think the class is hard, but they are learning
a lot and enjoy it,” says Macaleer, who
enjoys building creative lessons. “i like to
make class interesting and get students’
attention,” she says. “We play Bingo, Jeopardy
and Pictionary from time to time.”
Macaleer is the 27th Virginia teacher recognized
with the distinguished Milken educator
award and the third JMU graduate to
earn the honor. alex Carter (’94) and Phil
Bigler (’74, ’76M) also received the award.
The Milken Foundation has bestowed more
than $725,000 upon Virginia teachers over
the last nine years.
Macaleer plans to put her large reward
toward tuition while she pursues a doctorate
degree. “i would like to teach at the college
level in the future,” she says, “and work
with future math teachers. it’s an honor to
win this award. There are many great teachers
at my school and in the country. We do
not always get a big recognition for the little
things we do every day. it’s nice to know
that we’re appreciated.” M
‘The first time, and every time after, that a student thanks you for
something that you have done for them, it makes a world of difference.
Just to know that you helped out one student makes the time and
effort that you need to put into the job completely worth it.’
— Amy Macaleer (’01)
photograph by kevin allen
sPRing 2008 29