Release Date: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
Southbridge Middle School Teacher Wins Milken Educator Award
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA — Southbridge Middle School science teacher Jillian Lombardi won a prestigious national award Friday, receiving the Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation.
With Massachusetts Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell D. Johnston, as well as SPS Receiver/Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Villar and members of the Southbridge School Committee in attendance, Lombardi, who teaches sixth grade, was given the award, along with a check for $25,000 at a special assembly at Southbridge Middle School on Friday morning.
Ms. Lombardi joined Southbridge Public Schools in 2018. Greg Gallagher, senior program director at the The Milken Family Foundation, described the award as an honor akin to sporting and entertainment awards, and praised Lombardi as “one of the best teachers in the entire country.”
“Jillian Lombardi sparks curiosity, excitement and a genuine love of learning in her hands-on classroom,” said Gallagher. “Her enthusiastic approach to education is contagious, and it is just one of the many ways she will contribute to the national Milken Educator Network. Congratulations, Jillian!”
Ms. Lombardi said she appreciated the recognition and sees such awards as motivating teachers to continue what can be a difficult job that’s often behind the scenes.
“The best thing about my job is seeing my students every day,” she said, adding Southbridge was her first choice when applying for teaching jobs, and it still is today.
“I would never leave this place. It’s just a great community with great students, a place that I love to show up to every day and try to make a difference the best way I can.”
Dr. Villar praised Lombardi for her dedication to Southbridge Public Schools and its students.
“Jill is a shining example of the incredible educators who work in Southbridge Public Schools. She has dedicated her career to making science come alive in her classes and is a quiet leader among her peers,” said Dr. Villar.
“I have deep respect and admiration for her impact on our students every day. I also want to congratulate and thank the entire staff of Southridge Middle School. Jill does not work in a vacuum. The collective efforts of the entire Southbridge Middle School faculty have transformed Southbridge Middle School into a fabulous learning environment. Thank you all for making today a wonderful day in Southbridge! Congratulations, Jill!”