Principal Kafele Awarded Prestigious Milken Educator Award

 
  Newark Tech Principal Baruti Kafele was honored with a national Milken Educator Award at an assembly held at Newark Tech on Dec. 1. 

The ceremony was attended by the school’s students and staff, the NJ Commissioner of Education, state legislators, county and Newark officials and the presenter from the Milken Family Foundation - Lowell Milken. 

 

 

This content of the event was carefully planned as a surprise with only a few people informed about the award beforehand.

Mr. Kafele was chosen by the foundation as one of 54 educators nationwide and awarded a $25,000 cash prize.

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In May, he will be invited to a formal ceremony in California where he will meet the other outstanding educators chosen nationwide.

There is no application process for this award, the Milken Foundation looks for "unsung heroes" and noted Mr. Kafele's commitment and dedication to his students and to Newark Tech.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Mr. Kafele has been principal of Newark Tech for 4 years and previously was selected Teacher of the Year in the East Orange School District and Essex County Public Schools. He was also selected for “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” six times and is a published author and national speaker. His first name, Baruti, is an African name that means “teacher.” He is a graduate of Kean University and has a master’s degree from New Jersey City University.

 

Superintendent Dr. Michael Pennella said "There is no application process for this award, the Milken Foundation looks for 'unsung heroes' and noted Mr. Kafele's commitment and dedication to his students and to Newark Tech. My hope is everyone will join me in congratulating Mr. Kafele for this honor. It is further proof of the outstanding work that all of our faculty, administrators and staff are doing at our four ECVTS schools."