Olathe Teacher Surprised to Win Prestigious Award, $25,000

It’s called the ‘Oscars of Teaching’ and a metro teacher is one of its newest recipients.

Michael Berndt, a third-grade teacher at Prairie Center Elementary School in Olathe, was surprised to learn he was one of 40 teachers chosen for this year’s Milken Educator Award. The prestigious award is given to those who are considered model teachers.

“I remember when I was a student teacher I wanted to teach kindergarten,” Berndt said. “Once I started with bigger kids, I fell in love with that. I think any grade level I would enjoy; there’s so many wonderful things about each grade.”

In addition to the award, Berndt was given $25,000.