CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Milken Educator Awards announced a local Kindergarten teacher was the winner of the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award. Cranston’s Glen Hills Elementary School’s Maria Santonastaso was named Rhode Island’s sole 2024-25 Milken Educator Award recipient. “As a passionate advocate for strong, data-driven literacy instruction, Maria has inspired a love of reading that empowers students to excel,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We are tremendously grateful for her contributions to Rhode Island education and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make on her students and the profession as a Milken Educator.” 45 educators coast to coast will receive the Milken Educator Award in 2024-25. The award is hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching.” Santonastaso also won a $25,000 cash prize. Santonastaso graduated Rhode Island College, earing a Bachelor of Science specializing in severe intellectual disabilities. In 2019, she received a Master of Education in reading. Outside of school, she is an adjunct professor of early childhood education at Rhode Island College, an active member of the early childhood advisory committee, and a contributor to the college’s early childhood STEAM curriculum.  Santonastaso also served as an Educator Preparation Program reviewer for the Rhode Island Department of Education, where she assisted with the evaluation process and ensured that aspiring teachers received high-quality training. According to a release, Santonastaso is a member of the school improvement team, teaches an after-school yoga class for students, coordinates a cheer squad for sporting events, attends PTA meetings, and guides summer kindergarten orientation. Categories: News