PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (BRPROUD) — Two teachers in the Greater Baton Rouge area were surprised with $25,000 checks Tuesday.

Elise Frederic, a first-grade teacher at Lakeside Primary School in Prairieville, and Dereka Duncan, a fifth-grade science teacher at Cohn Elementary School in Port Allen, each received a Milken Educator Award for their teaching styles.

Frederic is celebrated for her unique teaching methods that get her students engaged in the classroom while learning phonics, according to the Milken Family Foundation. She uses sand or gel and mirrors to improve their reading skills.

Duncan has challenged her fifth-grade students to dream big and shoot for the stars to go into fields of engineering, science and technology, the foundation said.

A news release said that Frederic and Duncan were surprised with the award Tuesday in front of their students and colleagues.

THAT’S ONE HUGE CHECK! Dereka Duncan gets an assist from colleagues and visiting dignitaries as she accepts her Milken Educator Award. From left, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley; recipient Dereka Duncan; Cohn Elementary School Principal Cassy Brou; Lowell Milken, founder of the Milken Educator Awards; and West Baton Rouge Schools Interim Superintendent David Corona. Image Credit: Milken Family Foundation
Prairieville, Louisiana elementary teacher Elise Frederic surprised with award. Image Credit: Milken Family Foundation
It’s still sinking in for first grade teacher Elise Frederic — she is a Louisiana Milken Educator Award recipient, and this whole assembly was organized as a surprise for her! Image Credit: Milken Family Foundation

Here’s what Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said of both teachers:

“Elise Frederic is an educator who stays ahead of the curve in constantly discovering new methods to improve student outcomes,” said Brumley. “By also serving as a guide for fellow teachers, every child at Lakeside Primary benefits from her dedication to her craft.”

“Students do more than learn science in Dereka Duncan’s class, they participate in experiences that allow them to see themselves as scientists, engineers, and researchers,” said Brumley. “She is the type of transformational educator who will help move our state forward.”