At an all-school assembly on January 9th with Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, students, staff, visiting dignitaries and media rumbled with excitement as the assembly took a turn no one saw coming: Tharp is a 2024-25 Milken Educator Award recipient!
"Mr. Tharp's commitment to his students is unmatched," Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said. "Having previously served as an administrator, Mr. Tharp's expertise makes him an even more successful educator in the classroom. In addition to going the extra mile, he works across subject areas to ensure students have the support they need to be successful. Congratulations, Mr. Tharp, on this well-deserved honor."
Derek Tharp, a fifth-grade math teacher at Southside Middle School in Batesville, Arkansas, was surprised with the prestigious 2024-25 Milken Educator Award at a school assembly. Presented by Dr. Joshua Barnett of the Milken Family Foundation, the award includes an unrestricted $25,000 prize. Tharp is the first recipient from Southside School District and the 82nd in Arkansas, joining a network of over 3,000 educators recognized for their excellence in teaching.
Tharp's career highlights include his roles as a teacher, instructional facilitator, and assistant principal. Known for his relentless dedication, he supports students during and outside school hours, provides dyslexia screenings, and implements data-driven strategies that lead to high academic growth. Beyond the classroom, Tharp serves as a mentor, testing coordinator, and professional development presenter. His efforts extend into higher education, where he teaches as an adjunct instructor at Lyon College.
Tharp's exceptional commitment to education, leadership in his community, and influence on student success earned him this honor, celebrated as the "Oscars of Teaching."