Meet Our Team

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.”

Isis Comma

Executive Assistant
“Ms. Harmon, my 4th-grade math teacher, was an inspiration in every sense of the word. As the only Black teacher at my school, she stood out not just for her vibrant, fun-colored outfits but for her dedication to making math come alive for her students. She saw potential in me and helped me sharpen my math skills, turning what was once a challenge into something I enjoyed. Teachers like Ms. Harmon, who invested in their students’ success, inspired me to start my own business, focused on helping individuals and organizations thrive. Her influence continues to shape my journey.”

Alex Fallon

Program Manager
“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 Burnett

Teacher Support Coordinator
“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!”

Shania Andrews

Presidential Intern

“Growing up, I was privileged enough to have many amazing teachers, and am truly grateful for every one of them and how they shaped me into the person I am today. If I had to choose one teacher who had the biggest impact on who I am today, it would be my elementary art teacher, Ms. Lynn. Growing up, I thought I was just naturally bad at art and more of a STEM person, but she showed me that if I tried different techniques and mediums, I could find what fit me. I carry this growth mindset throughout my life, even beyond art.”

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Growing the Tree

Million Dollar Teacher Tree was first developed in a classroom by students in a program called, Next Generation Service Corps at Arizona State University in December of 2017. These students were tasked by Lloyd Hopkins, founder of Million Dollar Teacher project with developing a project that can potentially become an integral part in helping MDTP achieve its mission. The group eventually developed the original prototype for Million Dollar Teacher Tree—a cutout dollar sign that would be placed in surrounding businesses near the partner school. The idea was pitched to staff members of MDTP during the last of their class, and the project was picked up by MDTP as a new pilot program for the organization. After many months of planning, the prototype was eventually revamped into what it is today, Million Dollar Teacher Tree.

Golden Apple

These apples are intended to provide any sort of Professional Development which, in turn, gifts them with key knowledge to add to their personal skill-set to better work with their students.

As educators, teachers are constantly looking to continually grow in their profession to not only learn how to better connect with their students, but to also make the learning experience much more exciting.

Suggested donation amount range: $10 – $100

Red Apple

These apples are designed to provide the typical day-to-day items in the classroom. Teachers spend can spend upwards of $1,000 out of pocket to have enough supplies yearlong for their students– to alleviate this, the Red Apples were created.

Everyday school supplies include; pencils, notebooks, crayons, hand sanitizer, etc.

Green Apple

These apples are intended to provide a big-ticket item for the teachers. These supplies are typically something that the teachers can use for more than one school year.

Examples include; a class-set of computers or new furniture for the classroom.

Suggested donation amount: $500+