From Deseret News archives:
Cheers deafening as Utah's 'star' teacher is honored
That was before any of the teachers, students (or even Kern himself) found out the U.S. Department of Education had selected him as this year's Utah American Star of Education.
After that news got out, the U.S. Department of Education official who came to Spanish Fork to present the award had to give the assembled children the "quiet signal" to calm the whooping and hollering.
More than 5,000 teachers were nominated for the award, which recognizes excellence in innovation, dedication to student improvement and implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. One teacher from each state is honored.
"When I saw Mr. Kern come into the room and I saw your reaction, I knew we had made exactly the right choice," said Carolyn Snowbarger, the director of the U.S. Department of Education's teacher-to-teacher initiative. "With all the energy and excitement I felt in here, I would have thought we were at 'American Idol' or a football game."
"This is so much more than a pat on the back," Kern said. "To me, this means children are learning to love learning, and that's my goal."
Kern has been teaching for eight years, three of which he spent as a first-grade teacher at Rees Elementary. He left the school last year to take a job as an instructional coach for Nebo School District.
Former students, stoked to see their favorite teacher back on school grounds, mobbed Kern after the assembly to give him hugs and high fives.
"Mr. Kern is funny," said Gabby Paslay, 7, who was in his class last year. "That's why I like him."
Paslay said Kern stayed after school to help her with her reading something co-workers said the teacher did for many of his students. During his time at Rees Elementary, Kern specialized in working with children who struggled with literacy.
"He's very skilled at identifying students' needs," said Mike Larsen, the school's principal. "He takes the time to assess each child individually in order to find a way to reach them."
Recent comments
Eric is my son and I am very proud of him and his feelings for doing...
Harry A Kern | Sept. 8, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.
Eric Kern didn't leave the classroom for greener pastures as far as...
LJ | Sept. 8, 2008 at 1:07 p.m.
Hi Eric
We are so proud of you.I was glad to see this news.
Love...
Linda Campbell | Sept. 7, 2008 at 9:59 p.m.
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