robotic
04-19-2005, 07:13 AM
Washington D.C. Man Named Top Teacher (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050419/ap_on_re_us/teacher_year)
By BEN FELLER, AP Education Writer
WASHINGTON - At 31, Jason Kamras has figured out the best way to turn his math students into relentless learners is to never stop being one himself.
"I'm always looking at my lessons, looking at my approach in the classroom, stepping back and saying, `What works? What didn't work? Who can I talk to?'" Kamras said. "That constant process of pushing the goal posts down the field has made me be a better teacher."
The nation's best, in fact. Kamras, an eight-year instructor at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Washington, was named Tuesday as the 2005 Teacher of the Year.
The title turns Kamras into a roving ambassador for his profession for one year, and his main message is one of equity — meaning more money and help for schools in poorer areas. He wants to rally support, starting with President Bush, whom he is scheduled to meet at a White House ceremony Wednesday honoring Kamras and all the state teachers of the year.
"The collective voice of teachers can be very powerful," Kamras said. "If we advocate for our children and demand resources that we know they need, we can have a great impact. We need to tell our stories and let the public know the challenges our children face."
By BEN FELLER, AP Education Writer
WASHINGTON - At 31, Jason Kamras has figured out the best way to turn his math students into relentless learners is to never stop being one himself.
"I'm always looking at my lessons, looking at my approach in the classroom, stepping back and saying, `What works? What didn't work? Who can I talk to?'" Kamras said. "That constant process of pushing the goal posts down the field has made me be a better teacher."
The nation's best, in fact. Kamras, an eight-year instructor at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Washington, was named Tuesday as the 2005 Teacher of the Year.
The title turns Kamras into a roving ambassador for his profession for one year, and his main message is one of equity — meaning more money and help for schools in poorer areas. He wants to rally support, starting with President Bush, whom he is scheduled to meet at a White House ceremony Wednesday honoring Kamras and all the state teachers of the year.
"The collective voice of teachers can be very powerful," Kamras said. "If we advocate for our children and demand resources that we know they need, we can have a great impact. We need to tell our stories and let the public know the challenges our children face."