Arlington Teacher's Work Earned Her the "Oscars of Teaching"
By Office of Communication
Posted on November 05, 2019, November 05, 2019

Jennifer Fuller never wanted to be a teacher. But after graduating with an English degree, she needed a job and decided to give the career a chance. She would go on to change hundreds of lives and win the Milken Educator Award, considered to be the "Oscars of teaching."

Fuller has worked at several Arlington ISD schools and now teaches English at Arlington Collegiate High School. 

"Our goal is to take students who might not make it to a four-year university and give them the opportunity to earn a high school degree and associate's degree in four years," Fuller explained. 

Her work caught the attention of the Milken Family Foundation, which honors outstanding educators.

In October 2017, Arlington Collegiate High School students and staff were brought together for a special assembly. Fuller quickly realized something important was about to happen, but never dreamed it would be her life about to change.

"They called my name, and I was totally blown away," Fuller said. "Wanting to help students be successful, wanting to help them achieve their dreams and get exactly where they want to in life — it's an amazing thing that the Milken Foundation does."

The award also came with a $25,000 check. 

While Fuller never dreamed she'd end up teaching, the work turned into a dream job.

"Every single day I wake up excited to come to work, excited to get to see my students. I'm definitely living my dream," Fuller said.

To see more American Dream stories, click here

Jennifer Fuller with Milken Award

American Dream City, MyArlingtonTV, Support Youth and Families
News, Headlines, Community