The Milken Family Foundation, a Santa Monica, Ca.-based organization, works to strengthen the teaching profession by recognizing outstanding teachers, among other goals.
Mabrooka Chaudhry, 34, a social studies teacher at Atholton High School in Columbia and 10-year teaching veteran, was honored with one of the $25,000 Milken National Educator Awards during a surprise announcement at a school assembly Thursday.
Chaudhry teaches a popular course on the history of world religions. Students have said her courses are the hardest in the school but said she?s also one of their favorite instructors because she makes learning fun and real.
Chaudhry spoke with The Examiner about winning the award and her experience teaching.
This award program was designed to be a complete surprise. What were you doing when they announced your name, and what was your reaction?
I was standing in the back with my department, and they started applauding.
It was shock.
Exactly that.
Complete shock.
I had absolutely no clue.
It?s actually a little humbling.
I don?t like all this attention.
When did you come to the country?
I came here as an immigrant from Pakistan to Howard County when I was only in fourth grade and didn?t speak a word of English.
It just shows that anything?s possible for anyone.
Has teaching always been something you wanted to do?
No, I actually wanted to do something with science, but teaching started to attract me.
My father said you can do anything as long as you help others.
Do you know what you want to do with the money?
I have no idea.
