Kern was always on the lookout for ways he could help the rest of the school with literacy as well, Larsen said. He wrote grants to secure resources for the school, such as a listening center and a library of oversize books.

Teachers who worked alongside Kern said his enthusiasm for teaching was inspiring.

Annette Windley, who also teaches first grade, said she wouldn't have survived her first year as a teacher if it weren't for Kern's mentorship. She still uses some of Kern's learning games and techniques — like the "tooty-ta dance," which helps children hone recall skills and get out the wiggles at the same time — in her own classroom.

"He is amazing," Windley said. "He can connect with almost any kid and convince them that learning is fun."

This is the fifth year the U.S. Department of Education has honored teachers as American Stars of Teaching. Two of the past three award recipients in Utah, including Kern, taught at Rees Elementary.

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E-mail: estuart@desnews.com