The Milken Educator Award is given to only two outstanding Maryland teachers every year, and this year, one was a very surprised Shannon Landefeld of Tulip Grove Elementary School.

The fourth-grade teacher was recognized for her effective teaching style and rapport with her students, her excellence and exceptional teaching methods, and for being an overall asset to the Bowie community and her fellow teachers. She received a $25,000 National Milken Educator Award and an all-expense paid trip to attend a national education conference in Los Angeles.

Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, was at the...