Megan Wereley (Education)
First Year Seminar, Fall 2003
(Course Description)

Assignment: Exploration of Resources Related to “Teacher of the Year” Programs

We have now read about, discussed and researched several notable teachers. In this process, we have identified specific characteristics that these teachers possess that we believe qualify them to be considered effective teachers.

While the teachers we have studied thus far may be considered somewhat famous in the world of teaching, there are many exemplary teachers whose work has not received as extensive recognition. To this end, many award programs exist that seek to identify effective teachers at local, state, and national levels. One of the most notable of these programs is that of Teacher of the Year.

You are asked to explore websites, newspapers, and magazine articles related to Teacher of the Year programs (you will find information addressing both state and national level programs) in order to determine the exemplary characteristics of these teachers that are most often mentioned. You will need to explore information related to nominees and winners of these contests over a number of decades. To locate this historical information, you might find it helpful to consult with a reference librarian as well as to apply the research skills we have learned earlier this semester.

As you read about teachers who are considered to be “awarding winning” in their teaching ability, consider the following questions:

• Has the definition of “effectiveness” changed as you read descriptions of Teacher of the Year teachers from different years?
• Do the characteristics that define quality teaching reflect a change in the values of society (to the best of your knowledge)?
• What are the different “roles” that these teachers have played in the lives of their students?
• Are there any aspects of “good teaching” that stay constant over the span of many decades?
• What other interesting changes are you able to note when comparing and contrasting Teacher of the Year candidates over a number of decades? Are there variations in the age, race, and/or gender of teachers? What about the grade levels that teachers teach? Do you notice any change in school location (urban vs. suburban)?
• Have you made any other observations that are relevant to our study of exemplary teachers?

The first section should take the form of a 2-3 page summary of your research findings related to Teacher of the Year programs. Please be sure to cite your bibliographic resources correctly. In this section, please include an additional page documenting the steps you took to locate your research sources. Consider the following questions as you reflect upon your research experience:

• How did you decide where to begin looking for information?

• Did you speak with a reference librarian or use “tips” learned in class?

• Did you look at multiple kinds of resources (newspapers, websites, etc.)?

• Did you find one kind of resource more helpful than another? Why or why not?

In the second section of your paper, you are asked to reflect upon your research and apply your findings to your own understanding of exemplary teaching. Please select one teacher for your own past experience and “nominate” him or her for Teacher of the Year. The “nominations” should take the form of a 2-3 page essay addressing the following areas/questions:

• What is this teacher’s professional background and current teaching assignment?
• In what capacity have you come to know this teacher?
• Why have you selected this person?
• What makes this person memorable?
• What notable characteristics of this person match those you have researched for official Teacher of the Year participants?
• What roles has s/he held in your life?
• How has s/he challenged you to do your best work?
• How has s/he been an “agent of change” for you?