Lloyd Hopkins

CEO/Founder

Lloyd Hopkins, an organizational leader with extensive experience in community and non-profit work, has always been committed to the advancement of K-12 education in Arizona. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Non-profit Management and Leadership. With his education and passion for ensuring quality education for all, he launched the Million Dollar Teacher Project in 2016. Lloyd also serves as the Chair of Real Engagement through Active Philanthropy, a fund under the AZ Community Foundation to make a positive impact on African-American Youth.

“Unfortunately, I never had a teacher who took me under their wing or helped me feel special as a kid.  One of the reasons I launched this organization is for that very reason.  No student should leave the education system without a minimum, of one amazing teacher story.”

Jennifer Morales

Teacher Recognition Coordinator

“One of my favorite teachers was also my junior high and high school field hockey coach. He was so down-to-Earth, motivational, made training and learning fun, and most importantly, he truly cared for his players. You could ask him about any one of his players, and he could retell a beautiful story of an amazing play or goal that that player made or scored. He could do that because he got to know each of his players and cared for their personal and athletic development.”

Cally Mask

Executive Assistant

“There have been two teachers that have truly impacted my growth and future. My favorite middle school was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Wojcicki. At the end of every day, she read the Judy Blume series to the class in an animated voice that made reading so much fun. Today, she is the principal of my primary school and to me, that shows her love and passion for her school community. My high school English teacher, Mrs. Palacios, is my favorite teacher because of the genuine support. Mrs. Palacios was always there for me, even after school hours. Thank you both for shaping my education and future!”

Alex

“I was very fortunate to have many favorite teachers throughout my education that were able to leave impactful marks on my life from elementary years through post-secondary. One of these remarkable educators was my fifth grade teacher who understood the individual needs of each of her students while bringing them together as a united classroom community. I often used tools I learned from her while teaching in my own classroom.”

Annie

“I don’t have one favorite teacher that shaped me, I have many. Mrs. Hopper in middle school for starting my love of history with our own mummification activity. Mr. Calvert who started me on my education journey while in middle school. Mr. Rhode in my senior year of high school taught us about the economics we would actually use in everyday life. Finally, Professor Steven Lurenz, in my first few years at college, who taught me to question everything and see both sides. All of these amazing teachers supported me and now I get to do the same!”