JACKSON, Miss. – Kayla Saxton, a third-grade teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in Madison, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award — a national honor often called the “Oscars of Teaching.” Along with the recognition, Saxton received a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize during a surprise school assembly Tuesday morning.
Presented by Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and Mississippi State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans, the award celebrates Saxton’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success.
“Kayla Saxton creates a classroom where curiosity thrives and every child feels valued and motivated to excel,” Bishop said. “Her passion, leadership and commitment to her students build confidence, compassion and a lifelong love of learning.”
Saxton is the only Mississippi educator selected for the 2025–26 Milken Awards tour and joins a national network of more than 3,000 top educators. She leads with a whole-child approach, blending project-based learning, storytelling, and real-world connections to engage students and boost achievement.
As third-grade lead teacher and ELA department chair, Saxton developed a writing model that helped raise student performance across grade levels. Her leadership contributed to Mannsdale Upper Elementary earning an A state rating and being named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2024.