NEW PALESTINE, Ind. — Kayleigh Fosnow thought she was organizing a routine school assembly.
Instead, the New Palestine Elementary principal found herself at the center of a carefully planned surprise — and one of the most prestigious honors in American education.
Before a packed gymnasium of students and staff, Fosnow was named Indiana’s 2025–26 recipient of the Milken Educator Award, an honor often described as the “Oscar of Teaching.” The award includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize and is presented without prior notice to recipients.
Fosnow had gathered the school community last week to welcome Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, unaware that Milken Family Foundation Vice President Jane Foley had traveled from California to deliver the surprise announcement.
“What is happening? Oh my goodness,” Fosnow said moments after learning of the honor. “All of my district leadership tricked me. I am just so grateful and shocked.”
Fosnow leads a school community that serves children from infancy through fourth grade. She credits the school’s success to a culture built around belonging, joy and high expectations.
“I believe elementary school should be the place where you find your home,” Fosnow said. “We have fun here every day, which is a huge part of learning. If you walk in our halls, you will feel that.”
That approach has produced measurable results. Under Fosnow’s “SOAR to Excellence” initiative — a system that brings teachers together weekly to review data and adjust instruction — the school has posted nearly a 10% increase in math and reading proficiency. Last year, 95% of students passed the IREAD assessment, a key benchmark for Indiana elementary students.
Jenner praised Fosnow’s leadership and her impact beyond the classroom.
“Principal Fosnow is very intentional about building trust and strong connections,” Jenner said. “Her model is helping other schools and district leaders improve outcomes for students.”
Fosnow’s journey began in Brazil, Indiana, where she was inspired by her own elementary teachers to pursue education. She later taught in Indianapolis before joining the New Palestine community, where she now sees her role as shaping the environment for both students and staff.
“I saw principals who controlled the atmosphere of a school,” she said. “That’s what I wanted to do one day — make it joyful for teachers and kids. Celebrating teachers is my favorite part of being a principal.”
Fosnow is one of 30 educators nationwide to receive a Milken Educator Award this year. Recipients are selected through a confidential process and cannot apply. In addition to the cash award, she will join a national network of more than 3,000 Milken educators and attend a leadership forum in Washington, D.C., this summer.
“I have the best educators and the best students,” Fosnow said. “We are blessed to call this place home.”
The Milken Educator Awards were first presented in 1987 and recognize early- to mid-career educators for excellence and leadership, as well as the promise of continued impact in education.
Last year, South Ripley Jr. High School 7th grade English/Language Arts and Reading teacher Katie Lanter received the honor.
