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Garrid Halsey Wins Wyoming's Milken Educator Award for Transformative History Teaching

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 9:16 GMT by Wyoming News

Garrid Halsey of Laramie Middle School Earns Wyoming’s Milken Educator Award

On a crisp Tuesday in late September, the Wyoming News reported that Garrid Halsey, a veteran teacher at Laramie Middle School, has been honored with the state’s newest recipient of the Milken Educator Award. The award—one of the most prestigious honors in U.S. education—recognizes teachers who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their students and the broader educational community. Below is a detailed summary of the article, along with additional context drawn from related links that appear in the original story.

Who Is Garrid Halsey?

Garrid Halsey is a 20‑year‑old history teacher who began his career at Laramie Middle School in 2002. Over the years, Halsey has become a cornerstone of the school’s social‑studies department, teaching a range of courses from U.S. History to Global Perspectives. He’s also served as the school’s guidance counselor, head of the History Club, and a key member of the school’s student‑leadership advisory board.

Halsey’s résumé is peppered with accolades: a 2010 “Teacher of the Year” award from the Laramie County School District, a 2015 recognition for excellence in curriculum development from the Wyoming Department of Education, and the 2019 “Innovation in Teaching” award from the Wyoming Education Association. The article notes that he’s not just a teacher but also a community advocate, often leading volunteer initiatives that help local nonprofits address youth mentorship gaps.

The Milken Educator Award: A Brief Primer

The Milken Educator Award is administered by the Milken Institute, a Washington‑D.C. think‑tank that focuses on technology, health, and education. The award’s mission is to “discover and honor teachers who create transformative learning experiences.” The program was launched in 2011 and has since awarded over 1,400 educators across the United States.

According to the article’s embedded link to the Milken Institute’s website, the award process is highly competitive. Candidates are vetted through a peer‑review system, and each state submits a single winner. Winners receive a $25,000 teaching grant, a national speaking tour, and inclusion in an alumni network of distinguished educators.

Halsey’s nomination was put forward by the Laramie County School District’s superintendent, who highlighted his “unwavering commitment to student growth and community service.” The article explains that Halsey’s teaching philosophy—centered on critical thinking, project‑based learning, and inclusive pedagogy—meets the Milken Institute’s stringent criteria.

What Made Halsey Stand Out?

The article emphasizes several key achievements that set Halsey apart from other nominees:

1. Curriculum Innovation
   Halsey pioneered a “History in a Minute” module that condenses complex historical topics into engaging, two‑minute videos. These modules are now part of the state’s recommended curriculum for middle‑school history classes.

2. Student‑Led Research Projects
   In 2018, Halsey guided a team of seventh‑and‑eighth‑grade students to research and present on Wyoming’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. The project won a regional award at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Youth Conference.

3. Community Partnerships
   Halsey co‑founded the “History Makers” partnership between Laramie Middle School and the Wyoming Historical Society. The partnership offers students internship opportunities, museum tours, and mentorship programs that help prepare them for post‑secondary education.

4. Advocacy for Equity
   Halsey has been an outspoken advocate for culturally responsive teaching. The article quotes him saying, “Education must reflect the voices of all students; that’s why I incorporate Indigenous perspectives and Black history into every lesson.”

Impact on Students and the School

Halsey’s impact is evident in the stories of his former students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education in history, political science, and public policy. One former student, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted, “Mr. Halsey made history feel alive. He didn’t just teach dates; he taught us how to think critically about the past to influence our future.”

At Laramie Middle School, Halsey’s influence extends beyond the classroom. The school’s “Student Voice” initiative, which encourages students to propose school policies, was largely inspired by Halsey’s emphasis on student agency. A former student who served as the student‑voice officer said, “The groundwork laid by Mr. Halsey made it possible for us to be heard.”

A National Spotlight

After winning the award, Halsey will participate in a national speaking tour where he will share his teaching methodologies with educators across the country. The article notes that the Milken Educator Award “opens a global platform for teachers to disseminate best practices.” Halsey plans to discuss his “History in a Minute” modules and the student‑led research projects that have received national recognition.

The award also provides Halsey with a $25,000 teaching grant, which he intends to use to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends history with technology. He plans to integrate coding and data analytics into his history lessons, providing students with modern skills while keeping them engaged in historical analysis.

Community Reactions

The award announcement generated a wave of congratulatory messages across local media and social media platforms. The Laramie County School District’s website featured a post thanking Halsey for his years of dedication. Meanwhile, the Wyoming Education Association sent a formal commendation that highlighted the award’s alignment with the state’s educational goals.

One of Halsey’s former colleagues, a teacher of science, remarked that “Mr. Halsey’s collaborative spirit has inspired us all to look beyond our subject areas and create interdisciplinary learning experiences.” The article also quoted a parent who expressed pride, saying, “Seeing my child’s excitement about history has always been a joy; Mr. Halsey has made that possible.”

Final Thoughts

Garrid Halsey’s receipt of the Milken Educator Award underscores a broader trend: educators who fuse passion, innovation, and community engagement are increasingly recognized on national stages. His success demonstrates that effective teaching is not merely about content delivery but about creating a culture of inquiry, equity, and empowerment.

For anyone interested in learning more about the Milken Educator Award, the article links to the Milken Institute’s dedicated page for the award, which offers a deeper dive into the selection process, past recipients, and the award’s impact on classrooms nationwide. Additionally, readers can explore the Laramie County School District’s official site to view Halsey’s full teaching portfolio, curriculum projects, and community outreach initiatives.

In sum, Halsey’s story is a testament to the transformative power of educators who are willing to challenge conventional teaching methods and inspire students to become active, informed citizens. His achievement not only brings honor to Laramie Middle School and Wyoming but also serves as a beacon for educators across the country.