Todd County Middle School’s Albert“Bobber” Her Many Horses thought he was attending an assembly highlighting the state literacy initiative with a visit from South Dakota’s secretary of education. Instead, the music and Lakota language teacher received the surprise of a lifetime – a
national Milken Educator Award which includes a $25,000 cash prize for him to use however he chooses. Bestowed by the Milken Family Foundation, the Award presentation is part of a nationwide tour that honors exceptional educators for excellence and innovation in education. Her Many Horses is the only recipient from South Dakota this year.
Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, joined by South Dakota Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves, presented Her Many Horses with the Award in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. “Mr. Her Many Horses has all the hallmarks of what constitutes a first-rate teacher. He is an expert in his fields of music and the Lakota language, he is highly adaptable to new technologies and new situations, and he is an exceptional role model for his students and fellow teachers at Todd County Middle School,” said Secretary Graves.
Her Many Horses earned a Bachelor of Arts in music education from Northern State University in 2011.