Published on October 16, 2025

'10 percent bolder': Jessica Chapman ’11 receives prestigious Milken Educator Award

Jessica Chapman '11, a history and social studies teacher at Norwich Free Academy (NFA), was recently honored with one of the nation’s top awards for educators — the Milken Educator Award (MEA). Surprised during a schoolwide assembly in fall 2024, Chapman was one of 45 educators across the country to be awarded the $25,000 cash prize.

Since receiving the award, Chapman has adopted the MEA’s motto of "being 10 percent bolder" as a personal mission. "I now have a network of incredible educators who have my back and want to make positive change," she said. Her renewed focus includes advocating for systemic improvements in the education of multilingual learners.

At NFA, more than 30 languages are spoken within the school community. Chapman’s advocacy centers on ensuring equitable access to education for these students. "They are just figuring out how to navigate both social and academic English," she said. "I work to ensure laws are followed and programs are effective."

Her passion for multilingual education was further shaped by a year teaching in El Salvador. "I want to better connect with students and families," she said of her decision to immerse herself in a foreign language. "I knew I couldn’t learn 30 languages, but I could learn Spanish."

Chapman realized that the collectivist culture of her students in El Salvador could inform her teaching approach at NFA. Accordingly, she nurtures an environment where "kids can work together, pull each other up, and support each other."

Chapman studied history and social science at Eastern after initially pursuing education. "I was confused about what I wanted, and Eastern supported my transition," she said. Now, she draws inspiration from her history professors. "I hope my students feel about my class the way I felt at Eastern — where history came alive."

Written by Noel Teter '24