When Pearsontown Elementary School principal Asia Cunningham stepped into a school assembly in November 2023, she had no idea it was being held in her honor. As it turned out, the school-wide gathering was slated to announce that she'd won the Milken Educator Award, also known as the "Oscars of Teaching." Principal Cunningham was the only educator in Durham County to receive the award this year.
She shared her recollection of that day, as well as the compelling story of her career progression from criminal justice to school administration and how her decision to work in education honors her late parents and the siblings she helped to raise after their passing.
Guest
Asia Cunningham, principal of Pearsontown Elementary School
Correction: On air, Due South incorrectly stated that Principal Cunningham is the "first ever" Milken Educator Award recipient from Durham Public Schools. She is the first Black woman from Durham Public Schools to receive the distinction. The first ever recipient from DPS was Stuart Albright of Jordan High School in 2008.
