Science teacher given prestigious award

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A seemingly routine school-wide assembly turned into the surprise of a lifetime for one local teacher on Tuesday.

Robert Baxter was the center of attention Tuesday as he received the Milken Educator Award for his unique teaching style and devotion to his students in the classroom.

What began as an ordinary day at Westminster Community Charter School in Buffalo turned into a day that each of these students and faculty members will remember forever.

Lowell Milken of the Milken Family Foundation said, "It gives me great pleasure to present the Milken Educator Award to a truly outstanding teacher and that teacher is: Robert Baxter!"

The Milken Educator Award is regarded as one of education's most prestigious and lucrative recognitions. 55 of America's best teachers have been surprised with this $25,000 award.

Robert Baxter said, "I was laughing and joking with the kids over there saying, "I wonder who it's going to be?!" I want to cry."

Instead of simply bringing science into the classroom, Baxter takes his students out into the world of science through various field trips. He also tutors his students on weekends in preparation for the Regents exams, and last year 88 percent of his students achieved Regents Biology credit.

"It really was a sacrifice. Instead of going into a more lucrative career than teaching, but I am happy, I don't regret it. I don't regret it at all," said Baxter.

Robert's wife, Vicki Baxter, said, "I am absolutely stunned. I'm amazed. My husband is such an awesome, awesome science teacher. This is the first year I've worked in the classroom with him, and I have seen his knowledge of the sciences and how he breaks it down."

Robert says he may put some of the money toward building another school, a project that he and his wife have discussed. Robert is one of four who received this award in New York State. The Milken Educator Awards Foundation began in 1987.