The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards

Joel Christopher Robins
Deep Creek Elementary School

Joel Christopher Robins is a fifth-grade teacher at Deep Creek Elementary School in Chesapeake. Noted for his daily use of hands-on learning technology, games, discovery learning and problem-solving activities, Robins has participated in a Standards of Learning mathematics review committee. He has been recognized as the 2007 Deep Creek Community Teacher of the Year, the 2008 Deep Creek Elementary School Reading Teacher of the Year and the 2009 Deep Creek Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Robins earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan College and a master's degree from the University of Virginia.

Sean Patrick Griffin
Belmont Station Elementary School

Sean Patrick Griffin is a fifth-grade reading and social studies teacher at Belmont Station Elementary School in Loudoun County. To help motivate students, Griffin incorporates lyrics to popular songs, a blog for reading assignments and an online American cities museum project in his instructional practices, while providing adaptations for students with special needs at both ends of the learning spectrum. As part of his school division’s "History Alive" grant team and in partnership with George Mason University, Griffin helped develop lessons and activities. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University.