Star struck: A conversation with the National Teacher of the Year

Posted on May 11 2009 at 8:59 AM

Right in the middle of mashing black beans (preparing hors d’oeuvres for our soon-to-arrive guests), I looked up and blurted out, “Mom. I cannot believe that just happened,” like it had just hit me. “Michael Geisen. He’s the National Teacher of the Year! And I just talked to him for over 20 minutes—naturally, teacher-to-teacher—sharing questions, struggles, discoveries, celebrations… I just got personal advice from the Teacher of the Year!” It was two hours later, and I was standing in the middle of my kitchen still in a state of disbelief—in awe—hardly able to contain my enthusiasm.

“It’s called being in the right place at the right time,” my mom smiled.
“It’s called saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity that knocks at my door,” I added.

Spending the weekend taking care of my mom with her recently broken ankle, she mentioned a couple days ago that she had a teacher awards luncheon for this afternoon—an event put on by the Miller Foundation to honor and celebrate new teachers’ relentless efforts to improve arts and education in Oregon. Instead of crossing it off her list of things she can do (based on being unable to walk for weeks) she asked me if I’d like to go with her. I had said yes immediately, without knowing quite what I was agreeing to attend. But it’s like a gut reaction now. If it’s related to education, I just say yes.

And wow, am I glad I did. Just minutes after walking in for the pre-lunch “schmoozing session”, I found myself in the middle of a great conversation about kids and teaching with the man-of-the-hour. Without time to feel intimidated by his prestige, I jumped on the opportunity to ask him questions and share my own thoughts as a new teacher. We found ourselves talking for so long that my mom encouraged we let him go off and greet the many others in the room who were eager to speak with him. But he insisted, “No, no… this is great.” Sounds good to me, I thought. I’ll take a chance like this anytime I can get.

Returning to my seat, as the ceremony was about to commence, I felt a surge of energy. Little did I know, the afternoon was only going to get better. Sitting at table seven with two award-recipients on either side, watching teachers receive funding to support their innovative ideas, and listening intently to Michael Geisen’s presentation, I experienced a fresh wave of inspiration. The message of this afternoon was powerful, stirring and exciting my spirit. I clung to every moment, as Michael reinforced my values, my passion for teaching, my reasons for dedicating my full heart and soul into the most challenging and rewarding career. He spoke of creativity, innovation, collaboration, adaptability, knowledge, civic engagement, global awareness, and critical, integrated, holistic thinking. He spoke as a teacher—to teachers, for teachers, because of teachers… and really, because of kids, for kids. He spoke to empower—to challenge educators to take risks, to push the limits—so that we may better serve, engage, and bring to life the creative and brilliant minds of our kids, our future.

And with his last word, the audience applauded. But me, I leaped to my feet. I was the only one standing, but I have never felt so proud and full of hope in becoming a teacher, knowing that I am not alone in my vision for education. So I stood tall, applauding a brighter future—for what teaching and learning can be—a chance for all kids to succeed, to soar. And in my mind, I am still standing, and I will every day, because such heart and soul deserves a standing ovation.


*Click here to read Michael Geisen’s blog

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