"Not only is he helping students grow academically, but he is proving that every kid is a math kid."
Derrick Winn, a third grade math and science teacher in Baton Rouge, is surprised with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award for his exceptional leadership and students' high achievement growth
Derrick Winn, a third grade math and science teacher at Crestworth Elementary School in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, is known for captivating young minds with math challenges and tournaments. Yet on Feb. 6, he was stumped by a new, mind-boggling fact: He is a recipient of the Milken Educator Award, which comes with a cash prize valued at $25,000.
Winn was completely unaware of his candidacy for the Award.
"Virtually all successful people can recall at least one outstanding educator who had an impact on their lives – that caring and compassionate mentor who believed in them, guided them, and inspired them to dream big. Derrick Winn is that kind of leader," said Lowell Milken.
“Effective math teachers like Mr. Winn are life-changing for students, especially during these foundational early education years," said Louisiana Superintendent Cade Brumley, Ph.D. "Not only is he helping students grow academically, but he is proving that every kid is a math kid."
With this recognition, Winn becomes a member of the prestigious Milken Educator Network, a national group of exceptional professionals working to "Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate" the K-12 profession. Christine Bayard of Johnston-Hopkins Elementary School in the Iberia Parish School District was also recognized with the Award.
Winn earned a bachelor of science in psychology from Louisiana State University and A&M College and completed the alternative certification program at Southern University and A&M College in the area of grades 1-5. He also has a master of science in K-12 studies and education with an emphasis in standards-based math from Capella University in 2017.
Here’s what the Milken Family Foundation has said about Winn:
Infusing a Passion for Math and Science in Early Learners
While Derrick Winn's instructional knowledge, data-driven mindset, and strategic lesson planning make him an effective educator, his bright personality, unwavering support, and kindness make him an exceptional role model. Winn currently teaches third grade math and science at Crestworth Elementary School, having previously taught the same subjects there in second grade. Winn has greatly contributed to students' ongoing academic and personal growth. Through a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, Winn is a valued member of a collaborative faculty that implements strong structures of teacher leadership and support.
Creative Strategies That Promote Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
By homing in on individual learning styles and implementing strategic, engaging classroom practices, Winn was able to help grow second grade students' math proficiency by 77% from the beginning to the end of the 2022-23 school year. In second grade, Winn's students tested their knowledge with Kahoot! games, created songs to remember math facts, and participated in Winn's Math Fact Challenge. The challenge was so successful that it was extended throughout K-2, and he created the Math Multiplication Challenge for the upper grades. Winn also led a K-2 March Madness Math-A-Thon, or "March Mathness." Students eagerly competed in a bracket-style tournament, reviewing and building their subtraction, addition, and multiplication fluency while emphasizing important social-emotional learning skills — making for confident problem-solvers and critical thinkers at early ages. He has continued these same principles as a third-grade teacher.
Serving as a Model Instructional Leader and Mentor
Outside the classroom, Winn is always eager to lend a helping hand. Whether he is filling in for reading interventions, organizing staff luncheons, or mentoring fellow teachers, Winn's professionalism and team-player mentality boost the morale of those around him. Surrounding community members and organizations have also benefitted from his educational expertise through his work as a mentor to a City Year member and collaborations with Southern University and A&M College, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Volunteers in Public Schools, to name a few.
Empowering Student Empowerment in the School and Community
Winn supports students, colleagues, and community members alike in their efforts to grow in all avenues of life. As a member of Crestworth's student government association committee, he facilitates grade-level campaigns, candidate debates, and schoolwide elections. Winn serves on several committees, including the Art Committee and Black History Committee, as well as co-sponsoring the Boy Scout Club. Strengthening his positive influence on students, Winn has also written a play, musical, and book addressing bullying prevention and student empowerment. On theme days, he has walked through the halls as Dr. Seuss and The Grinch. In the community, Winn has served as a Mega Sports Camp Counselor, a commencement speaker, and is active in his church’s youth ministry.