UPFRONT EDUCATION // BY CHRIS TINA E A S TER
Phoenix Rising Again National Teacher of the Year nominee Kurt Russell inspires Oberlin students.
COURTESY OBERLIN HIGH SCHOOL
K
urt Russell, a history teacher at Oberlin High School, is one of four finalists nominated for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award. The award is part of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) program and is the country’s most prestigious teacher recognition program. Russell is a graduate of Oberlin High School and says the nomination is not just about him. “It is about the entire Oberlin community,” he says. “The way I teach is based on my upbringing in Oberlin.” (l to r) Oberlin colleagues Denita Tolbert-Brown, Russell acquired a love for learn- Kurt Russell, David Reese and Suzanne Nock ing and was inspired to teach in kindergarten from his teacher Francine and junior class and has been the basketToss. In eighth grade, he saw his first Af- ball coach since 1996. rican American teacher, Larry ThomRecognition for education is not new as, who taught math, grasp control of for Russell. He was awarded teachthe classroom and gain respect and love er of the year by the Ohio Teacher of from every student he taught. the Year program in 2022, the NationRussell became fascinated with his- al Association for the Advancement of tory from the children’s encyclopedias Colored People in 2019 and Oberlin his parents bought when he was young. Heritage Center in 2009. He has also He went on to combine his passion for been named Lorain County Basketball learning with the memories of his favor- Coach of the Year and Northeast Ohio ite teachers. Coach of the Year. During the last 25 years, Russell has Russell says part of his success as a taught African American history, U.S. teacher comes from using the Socrathistory and International Baccalaure- ic method in which individuals ask and ate History of the Americas, as well as answer questions to stimulate critical race, gender and oppression at Oberlin thinking that will draw out ideas and High School. He is an adviser for the underlying presuppositions. Black Student Union, student council “It gets students engaged and is not
just me standing there talking,” Russell says. “I ask questions and have them respond.” Russell adds he is inspired by students and their eagerness to learn. He wants to provide students with the best education he can. He takes courses in child development at Oakland City University to continue to learn. “A good teacher puts students first, comes to work on time and always uses appropriate language,” Russell says. “Good teachers become better by reflecting on their time as an educator, regularly taking courses, and being open to constructive criticism from students.” Students and colleagues describe Russell as genuine, kind and humble. “He is always engaging with students and teaches with excitement,” says Denita Tolbert-Brown, business teacher at Oberlin High School. “Sometimes, when I am down,” agrees David Reese, English teacher at Oberlin High School, “I stand near his classroom and listen to him teach.” Russell has a similar effect on his students. “I have a father, but Russ is always there for me,” says Caleb Patterson. Russell says since winning the 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year award and being nominated for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award his “goal has always been and will continue to be being the best teacher that I can be,” he says. clevelandmagazine.com/cleader
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COMMUNITY LEADER 5
