New Mexico Tech graduate gets surprise award for excellence--and $25,000
December 14,2023
![Ashli](/in-the-news/2023/Ashli%20Knoell1.jpg)
From left, state Public Education Department Coordinator Beverly Friedman, Rio Rancho
Public Schools Superintendent Sue Cleveland, Cleveland High teacher Ashli Knoell,
state Public Education Secretary Aresenio Romero and Milken Educator Awards Senior
Vice President Jane Foley poses with a check for $25,000 that was awarded to Knoell
at Cleveland High on Wednesday. Gino Gutierrez/Journal
This week, Rio Rancho STEAM teacher Ashli Knoell was shocked to learn that she is
a Milken Educator Award recipient. This award is known as the "Oscar" of teaching,
and comes with a $25,000 prize that Knoell may spend in any way she chooses.