Aug. 19, 2026
Photo courtesy of the Milken Family Foundation
When Dave Mason, MEd ’20, walked across the stage to receive one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for educators, he wasn’t thinking about himself. He was thinking about his students.
“This award is as much a recognition of the students and staff I’ve worked with during my career as it is for me,” said Mason, a University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development alumnus. “Without their effort and enthusiasm, my program would be nothing compared to what it is today.”
That mindset has become the hallmark of Mason’s career — and helped him earn the 2025 Milken Educator Award. Often called the “Oscar of Teaching,” the award recognizes exceptional early- to mid-career educators who are shaping the future of education and includes an unrestricted $25,000 prize, lifetime membership in the national Milken Educator Network and opportunities for continued leadership development. Since 1987, only about 3,000 educators nationwide have received the honor.
For Mason, the recognition reflects something much bigger than professional success. It represents years spent building relationships, creating opportunities and helping students discover their potential.
Building more than technical skills
As the manufacturing teacher at Bacon Academy in Colchester, Conn., Mason has transformed what was once a traditional career and technical education program into one of the state’s premier manufacturing pathways.
Today, more than 130 students are enrolled in the four-year program, making it the largest elective program in eastern Connecticut. Students master welding, machining, plasma cutting, CNC operation and metal fabrication while earning college credit, OSHA certifications, pre-apprenticeship hours and industry credentials that prepare them for immediate careers.
Although Mason teaches manufacturing, his passion for coaching led him to pursue a Master of Education in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership through Mizzou Online.
The degree focuses on helping coaches, educators and leaders develop the skills to motivate others through positive psychology, meaningful relationships and purposeful leadership.
For Mason, who has coached football, golf and baseball, the lessons reached far beyond the playing field.
“The master’s program helped me understand how I can connect with my athletes on a deeper level,” Mason said. “It gave me a new perspective on how to communicate with people as individuals instead of using blanket policies or the same communication style with everyone.”
Today, whether he’s coaching athletics or introducing students to advanced manufacturing, Mason approaches every interaction the same way: get to know the person before the performance.
“Knowing their family life, hobbies, career interests and how they respond to challenges creates stronger relationships,” he said. “When students know they’re valued, they become much more willing to grow.”
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