WHEELING W.Va. — Madison Elementary School Principal Andrea Trio was recognized Thursday as one of the top educators in the country with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. The award is known as the “Oscars of Teaching” and is an unrestricted cash award for Trio.
During an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline”, Trio said she thought the student assembly Thursday morning was to recognize the student partnership between Wheeling Park High School and her school—–but what happened was the surprise announcement.
“I had thought the purpose for the assembly was based on the West Virginia Grow Your Own where we’re trying to encourage young adults to enter the education profession. So I was of course happy to be a part of that, but little did I know the news I was soon about to receive,” Trio said.
Trio earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education at WVU and is known among the student body as the “singing principal” because she frequently walks through the halls singing with or for her students.
“I had intentions of possibly going into vocal performance but I loved working with children too much and knew I was designed to be an educator so I took my voice along with me.”
Hey @hood_college the principal who won a $25K #MilkenAward today in Wheeling is your grad! Please help us congratulate Andrea Trio on this incredible accomplishment! #Here4Hood #HoodProud @HoodCollegeAlum https://t.co/D5j5jDRsri
— Milken Family Fdn (@Milken) November 3, 2022
Her first teaching job was in Frederick, Maryland and as she put it, “Soon the country roads brought me back home.”
“I was a middle school choir teacher for a year at Triadelphia and then had interviewed to become the principal at Madison Elementary School seven years ago,” Trio said. “I was grateful enough to receive that and take on this journey.”
“Principal Trio embodies the qualities of a Milken Educator. She is innovative in her work, a proven leader in her school and community, and cares for each and every young learner in her school,” said Stephanie Bishop, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator. “Madison Elementary’s motto is ‘Stronger Together,’ and through Principal Trio’s leadership, they are! Congratulations; We are thrilled to honor you today.”
Teacher shortages, low test scores are realities, but Trio approaches her day-to-day interactions with students and staff with one question- What is best for the students? Trio integrates a whole child concept using a graduated system of academic, behavioral and mental health services. The approach is especially relevant for Madison Elementary where 75% of students live in poverty and 25% have special needs.
Andrea Trio, the principal at Madison Elementary in Wheeling, was awarded the Milken Educator Teacher of the Year Award in West Virginia. She talks about winning this prestigious award to @HoppyKercheval. WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nm85Y pic.twitter.com/Ood5z07qFN
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) November 3, 2022
“It is a tough field to be in because we wear many hats, but I am a firm believer that myself and my staff and educators in general were designed for this purpose,” Trio said. “I keep saying it because I firmly believe it.”
Trio wasn’t clear how should would spend her $25,000 award but eluded to increased support that would be available for students.
“I will continue to support the field of education and to help myself grow professionally but it always goes back to the children because that’s why we’re here,” Trio said.