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Nov 07, 2009 (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Jamilla Rice left work Friday $25,000 richer.

It was something Rice, 37, never expected growing up in Section 8 housing in Homewood. The recipient of a Milken Educator Award, given annually to top elementary and secondary educators, she uses her life experiences to inspire students at Northside Urban Pathways Charter School, Downtown.

"Like many of you, I came from very humble beginnings, but my mom worked so hard to give a better life to me and my brother," Rice, of East Liberty, told about 300 students at an assembly yesterday. "I want you to get where you want to be, but you gotta work hard every day. See what can happen?"

Rice, the school's English teacher and director of curriculum, is one of 50 educators nationwide to receive this year's award, which includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. She was the only educator in Pennsylvania honored this year.

The Milken Family Foundation of California, which funds efforts to advance education and medical research, has awarded more than $60 million since 1987 to more than 2,400 educators.

"With these awards, we are looking for a person who makes a difference in the life of a child and has a love of learning," said Mike Milken, founder of the Milken Family Foundation. "She is a symbol of hope for all of our children, who can show them it's not where you start that matters."

Rice, a Schenley High School graduate and a master's student at the University of Pittsburgh, has taught at the charter school since it opened in 1998. She said she decided to become a teacher after seeing inequalities in education as a youngster. She noticed that children whose parents weren't advocating for their education fell behind their peers. She knew then she wanted to be an advocate for children.

Rice dedicated the award to her mother, Aisha White, a librarian and adjunct instructor at the school.

"She is an example to never give up, no matter what you are doing," Rice said through tears. "She is the reason I'm here, and I'm doin' what I'm doin'."

Although Rice has a reputation as a tough teacher -- she acknowledges she assigns a lot of homework -- her students and colleagues agree she is universally respected at the school. After the surprise award was announced, fellow teacher Robert Powell leaped through the cheering crowd to hug Rice.

"I've never met another teacher who puts in the amount of time she does," said Powell. "If I were a part of the nomination committee, Jamilla is the one person I would pick."

Rice was nominated by school CEO Linda Clautti, who called her an "extraordinary woman and great role model."

Senior Aimee Weiss agreed.

"Miss Rice doesn't accept less than our best," said Weiss, 16, of Observatory Hill. "To know that my teacher is the best is awesome."

Rice said she doesn't know yet what she'll do with the money. She is the first Allegheny County teacher to win the award since 2004. Rice will attend the Milken Educator Forum in Santa Monica, Calif., next year, where she will be recognized again with the other award winners.

Mike Milken, who started the foundation in 1982 with his brother Lowell, served 22 months in prison and paid a $200 million fine after the government charged him with securities violations, including insider trading. He was released in 1993.

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Daveen Rae Kurutz

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