David Mason, Bacon Academy

2025 Milken Educator Award Recipient

David Mason currently serves as the Manufacturing Teacher at Bacon Academy in Colchester for the 2025–2026 school year. Since joining Bacon Academy, he has transformed its manufacturing program into one of eastern Connecticut’s most respected four-year pathways, now enrolling 130 students—the region’s largest elective. He teaches welding, machining, plasma cutting, metal fabrication, and CNC operation, providing hands-on, project-based learning using state-of-the-art equipment.

Under his leadership, female enrollment has grown from 3–5% to over 30%, and students earn OSHA certifications, pre-apprenticeship hours, and up to 11 college credits through Connecticut State Three Rivers Community College. He also leads Bacon Academy’s Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (YMPI), connecting students with internships and employment opportunities. Recognized by the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance as a state model, the program helped Bacon Academy earn Connecticut’s top ranking for college and career readiness.

In recognition of his excellence in teaching and leadership, David was named the 2025 recipient of the Milken Educator Award, one of the nation’s highest honors for educators. He partners with local industry leaders and serves on Bacon Academy’s CTE Advisory Board. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Technology Education and Construction Management from Ohio Northern University in 2011 and a Master of Arts in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership from the University of Missouri in 2020.

Jessica Chapman, Norwich Free Academy

2024 Milken Educator Award Recipient

Jessica Chapman currently serves as the English Learner/Multilingual Learner Coach at Norwich Free Academy for the 2025–2026 school year. Prior to this role, she spent nearly a decade teaching Multilingual Education History and Social Science at Norwich Free Academy (2016–present), where she supported students in developing both content knowledge and language proficiency. Jessica began her teaching career at Sayles School, where she taught Social Studies from 2013 to 2016.

In recognition of her excellence in teaching and leadership, Jessica was named the 2024 recipient of the Milken Educator Award, one of the nation’s highest honors for educators.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Science from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2011 and went on to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching at Sacred Heart University in 2013. Committed to educational leadership and multilingual learner advocacy, Jessica earned her Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University in 2024 and a Graduate Certificate in Multilingual Education for School Leaders from the University of Rhode Island in 2025.