Cassandra Batson, middle school principal and head of the upper school campus at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, has been named Maryland’s 2026-27 Milken Educator Award recipient, receiving a $25,000 cash prize.
Batson was surprised with the award during a school assembly attended by students, staff and community leaders. Milken Educator Awards founder Lowell Milken presented the honor, which recognizes outstanding educators for their achievements and potential to make a lasting impact on education.
Batson is Maryland’s only recipient of the award for the 2026-27 school year and the first educator from Rockville to receive the honor since 1998. The $25,000 prize is unrestricted and can be used however she chooses.
With 15 years of experience in education, Batson has helped expand STEM programs at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, including establishing an annual High School STEM Conference, introducing new science and technology learning opportunities, and developing programs that connect students with STEM professionals.
Before becoming an administrator, Batson worked as a science teacher and STEM coordinator at the school. She began her teaching career in Colorado before moving to Maryland in 2016.
“Outstanding educators like Cassandra Batson have the most important job in our country,” Milken said. “They not only prepare students for academic success, but also instill in them intellectual curiosity, confidence, a compassion for others, and a commitment to contributing productively to our global society.”
Batson joins a national network of more than 3,000 Milken Educators. She will also have the opportunity to attend the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., in June 2027.
