By putting the needs of staff and students front and center, Chancellor Marco French has transformed academic performance at Queensborough Leadership Academy and created a nurturing environment for all to thrive. Yet today, French was the focus of an all-school assembly where he was surprised with a national Milken Educator Award. The recognition comes with a $25,000 cash prize that French can use however he chooses.

Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken was joined by Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley to present French with the prestigious honor before cheering students, appreciative colleagues, state and local dignitaries, and media. In addition, French will join a national network of more than 2,800 Milken Educator Award recipients dedicated to strengthening K-12 education.

French is among more than 60 educators across the country who will receive the Award during the 2021-22 season. The last recipient in Caddo Parish was awarded in 2015.

"Chancellor Marco French has achieved significant success by aligning every effort to developing, motivating and retaining effective educators," said Lowell Milken. "Marco unifies his staff under a common vision for excellence and, in so doing, creates a collaborative, vibrant culture for all to excel."

French leads the academy's implementation of the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement – a signature initiative of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). Master and mentor teachers work with French and other administrators to set goals, guide regular job-embedded professional learning, coach educators in classrooms and leverage the faculty’s talents to drive student growth.

"As a former teacher, content coach, and instructional coordinator, Marco French understands learning and leadership from many angles," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "These experiences have clearly informed his work as principal; he is committed to the success of the Queensborough Leadership Academy community, where he continues to motivate students and staff and inspire the next generation of leaders."

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The Awards are not designated for lifetime achievement. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the Award.

French is the third Milken Educator Award recipient this season. Jay Weisman, a math and social studies at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, was presented with the Award this morning. Laura Laiche, a third grade teacher at Slaughter Elementary School in East Feliciana Parish, earned the Award yesterday.

For more information, visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org