MERIDEN - A trip to California, $25,000, and the assurance you're among the leading educators in the nation - not a bad way to start your week.

Platt High School social studies teacher James Flynn was surprised with a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award Monday morning in front of the entire student body and local and state officials.

When the announcement came, he was striding about the school's gym with a camera, taking pictures of foundation Senior Vice President Jane Foley as she outlined the purpose of her visit - to recognize an impressive educator in the community as a way of encouraging other talented people to take up the profession.

"We believe educators have the most important job in our society," she said.

Professional athletes, doctors, lawyers and dozens of other professions have members who are regularly recognized for their efforts in grand fashion, Foley said, "but the one profession that prepares you for every other profession," is often not recognized at all.

The California-based foundation honors one teacher in each state every year, she said, and she was at Platt to announce someone in the community who was the award winner for Connecticut.

When she pulled out an award envelope and announced Flynn's name, he lowered the camera and his face became flushed.

His hand over his heart, he looked dazed as he made his way to the podium to shake the hands of state Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey, D-Meriden, School Superintendent Mary N. Cortright, State Education Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan and a host of other school and elected officials.

"This is very overwhelming," Flynn said. "… I was just told to take photos."

Later, he said there were plenty of good teachers at the school, of which he was just one.

The 31-year-old graduated from Platt in 1996 and said he spent several years as a slacker during high school. If it weren't for the inspiration he received from teachers to go on and make something of himself, he would likely be in a very different place.

Flynn had no plans for the $25,000 award, but said paying off his student loans and starting a scholarship for Platt students were two possibilities that came to mind immediately.

His wife, Platt English teacher Kelly Flynn, a 2000 graduate of the school, said she was proud of her husband.

"It's fantastic," she said. "He truly deserves it."

The foundation does not accept applications or recommendations for its awards, Foley said, but rather works closely with state officials to locate the best teachers.

"You don't find us," she said. "We find you."

The organization tries to find innovative teachers, whom she called unsung heroes, in their early or mid-career and to honor them as a way of encouraging them to stay educators for life.

Flynn has the unique ability to bring his history and civics classes to life, Foley said.

"He understands that government is not a class in school, it's about life," she said.

Flynn has a history of involving students in the events of the day.

In May 2004, for instance, when Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, apologizing and expressing regrets for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, Flynn had his world civilization class debating the benefit of creating a democracy in Iraq vs. the horror of the war, as evidenced by the torture of prisoners.

In the run-up to the 2008 presidential election, his students were discussing the candidates, and Flynn encouraged them to volunteer at political rallies and support their favored candidates.

Flynn is the nephew and godson of Democratic Registrar of Voters Maureen Flynn, who said she was thrilled for him.

The Milken Foundation was formed in 1982 as a philanthropic organization to further education and medical science in the United States.

As part of the education award, each teacher gets an all-expense-paid trip to the 2010 Milken Educator Forum in Los Angeles, which will take place May 14-16.

At the forum, winners exchange teaching tips, discuss issues facing teachers and celebrate at an awards banquet, Foley said. They'll also receive the $25,000 prize during the trip.

Platt Principal Donna Mik said she was happy to have Flynn at her school.

"He's so deserving," she said. "We're very proud of him."

aperlot@record-journal.com

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