What started out as a planned assembly to welcome the state’s superintendent of public instruction, quickly turned into a celebration for Cody (Wyoming) High School Principal and Waynesburg University graduate Nathan Tedjeske (’13) when he was presented with the Milken Educator Award in front of students, teachers, colleagues and media.
The prestigious national award, also referred to as the “Oscars of Teaching,” honors excellence in and dedication to education across the country, and includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. Tedjeske’s event concluded the national Milken Educator Awards tour, which recognized a total of 68 elementary and secondary educators for the year.
Looking back, the thing I’m happiest I’ve done is always saying yes to a new opportunity. Opening your door and being connected with others is the easiest way to improve and grow in this profession. Be a coach, be a class sponsor, sit on committees, and find your passions.”
The award was a complete surprise for Tedjeske, who had been busy planning the assembly not knowing he would be its main focus.
“A lot of the work we do as educators is somewhat contained in our buildings and to have the work that you’re doing be seen on a national level, it’s pretty cool,” said Tedjeske on what it felt like to receive the award.
An influential educator and innovative leader at Cody High School, Tedjeske said education was not an immediate career choice when he began college. His passion for teaching came later on.
“I was going to be a veterinarian,” he said. “Then, I was going to be a geologist, then work in hazardous waste. It wasn’t until I actually declared my major that I truly became invested in education. I share that story because I think I’m like many in a variety of different fields. It's hard knowing what you want to do with your life and finding your passion.”
An important focus for Tedjeske at Cody High School is providing students with ample opportunities to learn and grow. As principal, Tedjeske began partnering with local business leaders to offer internships and apprenticeships for students to help them discover their own passions before graduating.
He also instilled “high-impact Fridays” as a way to promote additional learning opportunities for students not traveling for sports and other activities. According to Tedjeske, it’s common in Wyoming for students to miss entire days during different parts of the school year due to long-distance travel to sporting events.
“We began high-impact Fridays to make school look different when over half of your student population is gone,” explained Tedjeske. “For students in attendance on a high-impact day, they have the chance to make up work in any class, participate in activities that we couldn’t normally do on an average day, and receive extra help in given contents. We want every day to be purposeful and by adjusting those days, we can do that for our kids.”
When asked what the most rewarding part of his career has been, Tedjeske said working with his students and teachers, which he added he can’t ever see changing.
“That’s why I love going to work. Getting to help people learn, grow, and find their passion is the most fun thing I can imagine for a career,” he said.
For students pursuing a degree in education, Tedjeske’s biggest advice is to never say no to an opportunity.
“Be as involved as you can in school and community,” he said. “Looking back, the thing I’m happiest I’ve done is always saying yes to a new opportunity. Opening your door and being connected with others is the easiest way to improve and grow in this profession. Be a coach, be a class sponsor, sit on committees, and find your passions.”
Tedjeske earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education from Waynesburg University in 2013 and a Master of Arts in educational administration from Grand Canyon University in 2018.
More information on Tedjeske and the presentation of his award can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website at milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/nathan-tedjeske.
