Two teachers from neighboring school districts in coastal Maine got a big surprise when they showed up at assemblies at their respective schools.

Melissa Noack, an art teacher at Yarmouth High School, and Alex Briasco-Brin, a math teacher at Freeport Middle School, learned that the gatherings Monday were staged to present each of them with a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award for their outstanding work.

In making the presentations, Jane Foley of the California-based Milken Family Foundation said one teacher has the power to influence the lives of thousands of young people.

The foundation instituted the awards two decades ago to recognize exceptional educators and to encourage young people to become teachers.

“This award is so big it has been called the Oscar of teaching,” Foley said. Winners will receive their checks at a ceremony in Washington next May and can use the money however they wish.

About 100 teachers were selected to receive the awards this year, bringing the total to more than 2,100 since the program began.