This morning, the Burke County High School Bears arrived at school expecting an assembly with Georgia Department of Education Director of Literacy Amy Denty. What they weren’t expecting was for their beloved ninth, 11th, and 12th grade math teacher Jeffery Heggs to become a nationally recognized Milken Educator – and $25,000 richer!

 

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop congratulates Jeffery Heggs with a hug.

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop congratulates Jeffery Heggs with a hug.

Credit: Milken Family Foundation

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop named Heggs as the Peach State’s 88th recipient since Georgia’s adoption of the program in 1990. He is the state’s sole 2025-26 recipient and the first-ever from Burke County Public Schools. While the Award—and its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize—is life-changing for Heggs, the surprise launched a school-wide celebration this morning, complete with roaring applause from students, colleagues, dignitaries and media.

“It’s not often you see an educator as well-rounded as Jeffery Heggs,” said Bishop, who is also a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. “From his instructional leadership at school, involvement in the community, thoughtful mentorship to others and furthering his own education, Jeffery’s light shines across Burke County and beyond. Welcome to the Milken Educator Network, Jeffery. Congratulations!”

Today, Heggs joins a national network of over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the Awards’ nearly 40-year history as the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Awards initiative has no formal application or nomination process. Outstanding K-12 educators are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved—and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.

“Jeffery Heggs reflects the heart of what it means to be a Georgia educator. He creates a classroom where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take ownership of their learning and their future,” Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “His commitment to compelling instruction, innovative practices, and meaningful relationships is making a real, lasting difference for the students at Burke County High School. We are grateful for his service, his leadership, and the example he sets each day.”

This season will reach more than $76 million in individual cash prizes since the Awards’ first presentation in 1987 and over $146 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to broaden their impact and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education.