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Teacher Raps Essays, Wins $25K!
2 Nov
Summary
- English teacher uses rap battles for argumentative essays.
- He received the Milken Educator Award and $25,000.
- 98% of his students achieved high writing scores.
Dr. Tyler Saylor, an English teacher at Harlan High School in Kentucky, has been honored with the Milken Educator Award, recognizing his innovative teaching methods. He received an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.
Saylor engages his 11th and 12th-grade students by having them transform argumentative essays into rap performances. This unique approach combines creative expression with rigorous academic expectations.
His dedication has yielded impressive results, with 98% of his students scoring proficient or distinguished on on-demand writing assessments in 2025. The surprise announcement of the award occurred on October 28, 2026.
Saylor's influence extends to state-level initiatives, including the GoTeachKY Ambassador Programme. He also established a scholarship to encourage future educators.
