During a schoolwide assembly, Chapman was brought to tears as Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker invited Chapman to to receive her award. As the crowd cheered enthusiastically, Chapman was welcomed into the Milken Educator Network with a $25,000 cash prize for her passion and dedication.

As the only teacher in Connecticut selected this year, Chapman was honored for her unwavering commitment to making learning exciting and accessible to all of her students.

Chapman was recognized for her excellence in providing a safe, supportive and nurturing classroom environment to the diverse student body of Norwich Free Academy, which includes nine percent of students born outside of the U.S. and representing more than 30 different languages. 

Chapman said she tailors her education to effectively engage both multilingual learners and seniors earning college credit.

Through her curriculum, students learn about the world and their responsibilities as global citizens though the exploration of topics including sociology, modern world history, global studies and citizenship. Additionally, Chapman incorporates project-based learning, scholarly research, writing strategies, policy proposals and high-level discourse into her work to spark curiosity and creativity among students. 

"Jessica Chapman has adeptly woven her personal and professional experiences to form a beautiful tapestry of dedication and service to her colleagues, students and her community," said Foley. "Her nurturing, inquisitive spirit encourages students to expand their horizons, and her leadership and mentorship are gifts to her peers and to Norwich Free Academy's mission of developing global citizens. We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to the Milken Educator Network."

Chapman was also acknowledged for inspiring secondary education through hands-on learning opportunities.

In her college preparatory sociology course, students earn college credit. Through her course, students are inspired to pursue higher education degrees, bolstering their confidence and ability to complete rigorous coursework.

Coupling her educational leadership with her experience teaching in El Salvador for a year, Chapman created an educational workshop for her colleagues, equipping them with foundational knowledge to better support the growing diversity of their student populations.

As a spirited leader, Chapman is an integral part of the community, acting as a teacher mentor, student teacher supervisor, PLC leader for senior electives, multilingual summer academy leader, and professional development coach.

Additionally, Chapman extends her influence outside of the classroom as a senior class adviser, organizing activities like class trips, prom and graduation, coach of the varsity girl’s golf team, and co-adviser of the Varsity N club, developing mental health, sportsmanship and collegiate athletic programming.

"The Milken Educator Award shines a spotlight on remarkable educators whose dedication and innovation elevate our entire education community," said Commissioner Russell-Tucker. "Jessica Chapman's commitment to making learning accessible, inspiring students to reach for their dreams, and fostering a true sense of global citizenship in her classroom is exemplary and deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Jessica."

With this award, Chapman is provided several benefits including a $25,000 cash award; mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy; attendance at the all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April 2025; and networking with fellow awardees, veteran Milken Educators, and other esteemed education leaders. 

As an alumna of the Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership program, Chapman is celebrated for her outstanding accomplishments and exemplary impact on the educational community.

Photo and video courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation.