Laramie Teacher Wins National Milken Award, Boosts Local STEM Momentum

Garrid Halsey was sitting in the bleachers with his students when state education leaders revealed he was the recipient of one of the nation s most prestigious teaching honors. At an all school assembly on December 5, 2025, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller surprised Halsey, who stepped down to the gymnasium floor to receive hugs, handshakes and a $25,000 check amid roaring cheers.

The Milken Educator Award, often called the Oscar of teaching, tapped Halsey as one of 30 teachers nationwide for the 2025 2026 year and the only recipient from Wyoming. Winners receive an all expenses paid trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., mentorship through the Milken Friends Forever program, and additional leadership and networking opportunities. Since Wyoming joined the program in 1994, 52 Wyoming educators have been recognized.

Degenfelder framed the selection as recognition of instructional approach and student engagement. “Garrid Halsey understands that not every student learns best by memorizing facts from a textbook,” said Degenfelder. “By providing rigorous, project-based learning, Halsey does not just teach students, he brings their lessons to life.” Fuller highlighted the classroom environment and student outcomes. “Through innovative instruction and hands-on STEM experiences, Garrid Halsey empowers his middle school students to think boldly, experiment confidently and discover the joy of learning,” said Fuller, a 2017 Texas Milken Educator. “(Halsey’s) classroom is a place where curiosity is celebrated, and students are prepared at an early age to positively impact our global economy,” Fuller said.

Halsey teaches sixth through eighth grade classes including flight and space, computer science, automation robotics and medical detectives, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and secondary education with minors in art and earth science from the University of Wyoming in 2020. His work extends beyond curriculum to district leadership roles in Albany County School District 1, where he has led professional development, helped create an academic risk assessment screener and participates in the 307 Principals Leadership Academy. He also facilitates student clubs and coaches community sports.

For local residents and policymakers the award is more than an honor. It publicly validates project based and experiential STEM instruction as a pathway into technical fields, strengthens the district s case for sustained investment in curriculum and teacher development, and can be leveraged to support teacher recruitment and retention discussions in upcoming budget and policy debates. Halsey s recognition underscores how teacher leadership and community engagement combine to shape education outcomes across Albany County.