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TOPEKA 鈥� Turner Elementary School teacher Lexcee Oddo is recognized as a highly skilled, family-focused and whole-brain educator who taught second-graders before focusing on students learning English as a second language.

Those traits of educational devotion made her Kansas鈥� latest recipient of a $25,000 Milken Educator Award, which was presented Thursday during a surprise schoolwide assembly in Kansas City, Kansas.

鈥淒rawing from her curriculum knowledge and classroom experience, Lexcee helps students shine by building confidence, a passion for learning and a determination to achieve their goals. She is a valued teacher leader, mentor and trainer, and we are so proud to honor her,鈥� said Jennifer Fuller, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards program and a Texas recipient of the honor in 2017.

Fuller said Oddo鈥檚 approach to driving excellence among Turner Elementary鈥檚 English language learners incorporated both compassion and kindness.

Oddo earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education at Kansas State University in 2018. Two years ago, she completed a master鈥檚 degree in education administration at Emporia State University.

Oddo was the sole Kansas recipient of a Milken Educator Award in 2025-2026. She was the state鈥檚 74th since Kansas joined the program in 1992.

Nationally, Oddo and 29 other educators coast-to-coast were selected to be honored this academic year. They join a group of more than 3,000 K-12 teachers, principals and specialists singled out for recognition through a program established in 1987 by philanthropist Lowell Milken.

鈥淭alented educators play a critical role in preparing students to move successfully to the next stage of learning and life,鈥� Milken said. 鈥淔or 39 years, the Milken Educator Awards have been calling attention in a very public way to the essential work of educators 鈥� all in an effort to attract and retain high-quality talent to the teaching profession.鈥�

The objective has been to highlight educators while in early- or mid-career for what they achieved and for the promise each possessed. Nominated educators don鈥檛 receive notice of their candidacy, and awards are presented at events organized to surprise winners. No mandate for a winner鈥檚 use of the $25,000 prize existed, but some spend money on their children鈥檚 or their own education, to finance dream field trips or establish scholarships.

The Milken Foundation said Oddo was known for creating a learning environment where multilingual learners were empowered to grow in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Her prescription for student success blended high expectations, individualized support and a sense of purpose, the foundation said.

Oddo, who serves as a first-year buddy to new teachers, relied on student assessments to refine instruction and provide real-time interventions. She performed this work with a 鈥渃ulture of joy and collective efficacy鈥� that led to consistent student advances, the foundation said.

The foundation said Oddo was regarded as a whole-brain teacher who valued academic strength and social-emotional development of students. She hosted student recognition assemblies and an after-school tutoring designed to support students鈥� academic goals, the foundation said.

鈥淟excee represents the best of Kansas education,鈥� said Randy Watson, commissioner at the Kansas State Department of Education. 鈥淪he believes every child can learn and creates a classroom where high expectations and meaningful support help students thrive. Her leadership strengthens her colleagues, and the trust she builds with families reflects her deep commitment to every student鈥檚 success.

is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: [email protected].

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