Recognizing Excellence: Sydney Newton, Milken Educator

When Sydney Newton walked into what she believed was a celebration for vibrant learning, she had no idea her own work was about to be recognized on a national stage. Known for her student-centered educational approach, Newton was named a recipient of the $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, one of the most prestigious honors in education. 

Often called the “Oscars of teaching,” the award recognizes educators who demonstrate instructional excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to student success. Each year, only about 30 educators nationwide are selected. In 2025, Newton was the sole recipient from Kentucky. 

What makes the recognition especially meaningful is that Newton did not apply for it. The Milken Family Foundation identifies educators whose impact extends far beyond their classrooms, quietly observing their work and outcomes over time. 

“Right before I heard my name, I thought, ‘We have a million outstanding educators here in our district. This award is going to be so cool for someone.’” English Educator at Taylor County High School and Milken Educator Award Recipient, Sydney Newton

Photo courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation

Newton describes the moment she received the award as overwhelming disbelief.  “When I heard my name, I was in shock. I asked myself, ‘What just happened?’ for days afterward. It was such a good feeling,” she said. 

For Newton, the honor affirmed that the work she has poured into her students has lasting value. 

A Career Defined by Service and Initiative

That is evident throughout Newton’s work at Taylor County High School and the roles she has chosen to take on. She serves as a teacher mentor, NTI lead, ESS school coordinator, academic team coach, digital learning coach, student government sponsor and more. She takes on these roles not for recognition, but because she believes in creating pathways for others. 

“I got into teaching because I wanted to support kids, not just in their learning but in their lives. I remember being a freshman who did not have a lot of support, but I did have one teacher who believed I could do it. If I can be that one teacher for one other person, then I know I am doing it right.”  English Educator at Taylor County High School and Milken Educator Award Recipient, Sydney Newton

As a first-generation college student, Newton did not initially understand the significance of opportunities like dual credit and Advanced Placement® (AP) courses, but encouragement from educators helped shape her confidence and ambition. That experience continues to inform how she supports students and colleagues. 

“If you push your colleagues, inspire them and give them the resources, it helps them too,” she said. “That is equally rewarding and keeps me grounded.” 

Expanding Access and Rigor

A defining feature of Newton’s career has been her commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework. When Advanced Placement enrollment declined at her school, she worked with colleagues, counselors and administrators to identify how students who needed enrichment were being overlooked.

“We noticed that our AP numbers were really suffering,” Newton said. “Students who needed more challenge were not being pushed enough.” 

Rather than limiting AP courses to upperclassmen, Newton and her colleagues proposed restructuring the English sequence so students could take AP English Language and AP English Literature earlier. Today, Newton’s AP English Language class includes students from all four grade levels and can count toward any required English credit. 

“This gives students the option to challenge themselves at lower stakes,” she said. “AP teaches critical thinking without worrying about impacting their college GPA.” 

She emphasized that the work was collaborative, crediting her English department and guidance counselors for their shared commitment to expanding access. 

Seeking Support to Strengthen Impact

Early in the restructuring process, Taylor County English teachers sought professional learning opportunities aligned with the goals of expanding access and increasing student success. They engaged with AdvanceKentucky, an organization that supports schools and educators in strengthening Advanced Placement programs and expanding student opportunity. 

Through AdvanceKentucky, Newton and her colleagues gained access to resources that directly supported student preparation, including mock AP exams, opportunities to visit university campuses and feedback from educators experienced in scoring AP exams. These experiences helped them better align instruction to exam expectations while also giving students a clearer understanding of what was possible for them. 

AdvanceKentucky’s model places emphasis on teacher initiative and advocacy, a quality Newton demonstrated early on. 

“When you support an individual teacher, it is on the teacher to apply, advocate for themselves, and figure out how to best offer an AP program within their school,” said English and Capstone Director of AdvanceKentucky Stephanie Carter. “That’s exactly what Newton did for her students.” 

Carter recalled Newton’s early commitment to growth. 

“Sydney came to our Fall Forum before she was even part of the program because she wanted to learn about her course. She and her colleague, Ashley Neal, continued to grow enrollment and exceeded the goals we set for student success. They have advocated for their students from the beginning.”  English and Capstone Director of AdvanceKentucky, Stephanie Carter

Through AdvanceKentucky, Newton was paired with a mentor, Nick Fields, whose experience teaching AP and working directly with the AP exam became foundational to her development as a teacher and leader. 

“I am learning from someone who helped write the exam, scored it and taught AP for years. Being able to bring that knowledge directly into my classroom completely changes how I teach.”  English Educator at Taylor County High School and Milken Educator Award Recipient, Sydney Newton

Beyond instructional strategies, the program provided space for reflection and problem-solving alongside other educators. 

“Having a mentor and a network means I can say, ‘I tried this and it did not work. What do I do now?’” she said. “It helps me bring stronger strategies to my students.” 

Recognition of Sustained Impact

The Milken Educator Award recognizes mid-career educators who have already made a significant impact and show strong promise for continued leadership. In addition to the monetary award, Newton will attend a national forum in Washington, DC, participate in the Milken Friends Forever mentoring program and join a nationwide network of educators. 

“All of the former Milken recipients were very supportive,” she said. “It is a community of exceptional educators.” 

When asked what advice she would offer others, her response reflects the humility that defines her work. 

“If you want to try something new, go in full throttle. If it fails, ask why. Not everything is going to work all the time, and that is okay.”  English Educator at Taylor County High School and Milken Educator Award Recipient, Sydney Newton

Sydney Newton’s Milken Educator Award recognizes not only what she has already accomplished, but also the leadership and impact she will continue to bring to students and educators across Kentucky. We are proud to congratulate Newton on this well-deserved honor and to continue supporting the work she leads for students through AdvanceKentucky.