English Teacher Wins $25,000 Award For Innovative Rap Battle Essay Method

Times of India · education

Dr. Tyler Saylor, an English teacher at Harlan High School in Kentucky, has received the prestigious Milken Educator Award, including an unrestricted $25,000 prize. He was recognized for his innovative teaching method where students transform argumentative essays into rap performances. This creative approach has led to remarkable academic success, with 98% of his students achieving proficient or distinguished scores in writing assessments in 2025. Saylor is the first educator from his district to receive this honor, which celebrates outstanding teachers nationwide.