From left: Jennifer Fuller, Milken Family Foundation; Lexcee Oddo, 2025 Kansas Milken Educator; Tara Hudson, Turner Elementary principal; Dr. Jason Dandoy, Turner USD 202 superintendent; Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and Tamla Miller, KSDE communications and recognition programs. 

Lexcee Oddo, a teacher of English language learners (ELL) in Turner USD 202, has been named the 2025 Milken Educator for Kansas. 

During a surprise assembly at Turner Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas, on Dec. 4, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and representatives of the Milken Family Foundation presented Oddo with the award originally created by Lowell Milken in 1987 to “recognize educators who advance students, support colleagues, and have long-range potential to celebrate, elevate and activate” the teaching profession. 

“I'm still taking it all in,” Oddo said just after the announcement she was the Kansas Milken winner. “I mean, truly, all my coworkers, I wouldn't be here today without them and the collaboration, especially within our district. We are a smaller district, so being able to know everyone and collaborate with everyone has been really beneficial to my group.” 

In selecting Oddo for this prestigious award, the Milken Family Foundation cited her ability to create “a learning environment where multilingual learners are empowered to grow in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. She creates an environment where high expectations, individualized support and a deep sense of purpose drive student success.” 

“Lexcee represents the best of Kansas education,” Dr. Watson said. “She 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’s success.” 

In earning the Milken award, Oddo receives a $25,000 cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June, where she will network with and learn from current and past Milken winners. 

Prior to her role as an ELL interventionist beginning this school year, Oddo was a second grade classroom teacher for the past six years at Turner Elementary who helped her students meet and exceed expectations for their success in reading and math. She consistently involves her students’ parents in her classroom and reports a 100% attendance rate for parent-teacher conferences. Oddo is also one of two structured literacy trainers in her building. 

“Lexcee Oddo leads with compassion, kindness and a commitment to help all English language learners excel at Turner Elementary School,” said Jennifer Fuller, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards at the Milken Family Foundation. “Drawing 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 today.” 

According to the Milken Family Foundation, Oddo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Kansas State University in 2018 and a Master of Science degree in education administration from Emporia State University in 2023. 

Oddo is one of 30 educators across the U.S. to earn the Milken award this year. She is also the 74th recipient of the award in Kansas since 1992. Click on the following links to learn more about Oddo and the Kansas winners of the Milken award since 2000.