and then the big check came out. >> the milken educator we'd goes to madeline hanington. >> reporter: english teacher madeline hanington received the 25d,000 milken education award for her work at the middle school. >> she's my favorite teacher i have to say being honest. she's just so nice and i knew something was going to happen because when she said one teacher was chosen out of the school, i knew it would be miss hanington. >> if i could clone her -- >> reporter: the principal says both students and staff are fans what she does in the classroom. >> there's never a bad day. she's always upbeat, she loves the kids, they love her. >> you are a role model for other teamers not only in this school, not only in this county but throughout the state of maryland. >> reporter: mrs. hanington says she doesn't know what she's going to do with her check, the shock of it all is still settling in but it's clear to everyone here how she's earned it. >> i just always keep them in mind and every child learns differently and every child can learn. so to me it's always making sure that i'm with them