CLEVELAND, Ohio-- Oberlin High School history teacher Kurt Russell said the city has shaped him into the man and teacher he is today.
“Oberlin provided that ethic of hard work, being nice to people, being considerate, listening, having an open ear. That’s who Oberlin is; that’s in our DNA,” he said.
His words came during a celebration Thursday in the school’s auditorium in which teachers and students honored him as the National Teacher of the Year. The award, offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers, aims to recognize and praise exceptional educators across the country. Russell was one of four finalists competing for the prestigious title.
Russell then had to interview with a selection committee. As the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, Russell will spend the next year serving as an ambassador for education and an advocate for teachers and students.
For the last 25 years, Russell has been teaching history and African American history at Oberlin High School in Lorain County.
After graduating from the College of Wooster in 1994, Russell obtained his dream job of teaching in the city he grew up in. During his first year there, he helped develop an African American history course for students. He later collaborated with a music teacher to create a class called Black Music in the African Diaspora that covers blues, jazz, and R&B.
He told the Associated Press that he draws inspiration not only from past educators, such as his kindergarten teacher, Francine Toss, and his first Black male teacher, Larry Thomas but from his students, as well.
Senior Ryley Steggall took both of Russell’s courses and said his enthusiasm and passion keep her and other students engaged.
“I walk into class and know I’m going to be taught a lesson that is full of passion and full of learning, and it’s such an incredible environment to learn, and it’s really unlike anything I’ve experienced,” Steggall said.
Oberlin School Superintendent David Hall said Russell’s genuine nature shines through the most. He noted how involved he is in the students’ lives and challenges them to have difficult conversations.
Russell also is the boy’s basketball coach at Oberlin. His team finished the season with a 16-6 record and a Lorain County championship.
For Russell, connecting with students face-to-face is crucial. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, like many educators around the country, he struggled to maintain the same quality in the classroom while students sat at home learning remotely.
During his speech, Russell admitted he had become so apathetic that when nominations for Teacher of The Year came around, he was uneasy about filling out the application, but he is glad that he did.
While overjoyed about the nomination and the award, Russell said it’s not about titles. He noted that an educator’s primary purpose in life is to serve. And he is pleased to be able to do it in Oberlin.
“It’s where I’m from, it’s who I am, and I’m so grateful to share this opportunity,” he said.
Ad Choices