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Reid Nunn is mobbed by some of his students after winning the $25,000 Milken National Educator Award today. "I'm in total shock. I had no idea," the McCollum Elementary School teacher said.

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One of the first things Albuquerque Public Schools teacher Reid Nunn plans to do with his $25,000 national teaching award is buy his students some pizza.

One of them, McCollum Elementary School fifth-grader Cristal Alvarez, thinks that's a good idea.

"I feel really happy for him and he better share that money with us," she said, full of smiles after giving Nunn a group hug along with fellow students.

Nunn received the Milken National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation before an elementary school cafeteria full of wriggling students and officials who gave a standing ovation upon hearing the announcement.

The winners, and most others, don't know who will receive the awards until the moment they are announced.

"I'm really glad I didn't wear my flip-flops today," joked Nunn, standing before the crowd of kids in tie, slacks, suspenders and black shoes. "What an honor."

Nunn teaches fourth and fifth grade. Besides buying pizza, the money would help with paying bills and going back to school for a degree in school administration.

Up to 100 educators around the country receive the $25,000, given in recognition of several attributes, including:

Exceptional teaching talent.

Exemplary educational achievements outside the classroom that give models of excellence for the profession.

Potential for professional and policy leadership.

Inspirational to students, colleagues and the community.

"He really fits the criteria of the award," said Jane Foley, senior vice president with the Milken Family Foundation.

She likened the Milken National Educator Award to an Oscar of the teaching profession.

"We don't think teachers get enough recognition," she said. "We think teachers should be just as famous as movie stars."

McCollum Elementary Principal Letha Oman said keeping quiet about Nunn's award was "the hardest secret of my life."

"One of his greatest gifts is his ability to build synergy in the classroom," she said. "He . . . builds his teaching around what the children need."

She said Nunn pays close attention the learning style of each student and builds his curriculum to reflect that. He forms his students into topic-oriented teams, such as a math team, that then works together with Nunn to make sure every student learns.

"His teaching craft is at the top," she said. "He really believes in what he's doing."

Since 1990, 11 Albuquerque Public Schools educators have gotten the Milken Award, according to a news release.

More than 2,200 educators have received more than $56 million through the award since 1987. The Milken Family Foundation, based in Santa Monica, Calif., was established in 1982 to support education and medical research.