American Top Fifty

We welcome LeAnn Morris, the 2008 Nevada Teacher of the Year, a technology expert and an elementary school teacher. Among the topics we discuss: the ways technology at her school is improving instruction and the abilities that define computer literacy at the elementary level. Nevada is the gambling capital of the United States, so it’s only appropriate that when it comes to education, LeAnn Morris is a safe bet!

It’s almost time to go back to school, and our gift to you is the inspirational Georgia Teacher of the Year, Emily Jennette. A self-described “Energizer Bunny,” Emily is dedicated to teaching the whole child. You’ve got to hear her story about how she involved a local business to help a class of struggling elementary school students. Emily found ways to inspire them to a new outlook on school, and she’ll do the same for you, just in time for the new school year to begin!

In this episode, we chat with Pamela Harman, the 2008 Alabama Teacher of the Year. One of the topics we discuss in depth is mentorship--how to get new teachers the help they need by partnering with experienced teachers in their schools. Luckily, we manage to finish the interview right before all the equipment goes haywire.

After an extended spring break, the New Teacher Hotline returns with all new episodes that will carry you through the entire hot and hazy summer. This week, it is our honor to host the 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Tommy Smigiel. As you'll learn, Tommy endured a traumatic event as a high school student, but rather than let that event define him, he used it as an inspiration to one day return to that school as a teacher. He explains why resiliency may be the most important trait of a rookie teacher.

We interview Rick Ellenburg, the 2008 Florida State Teacher of the Year. He delivers great advice for new teachers, including three invaluable guidelines all rookies should keep in mind. As you listen, I think you'll find it impossible NOT to be uplifted and encouraged by Rick's dedication and love for his kids. Finally, he addresses the biggest fear all new teachers have: hamster babies. Confused? Listen to learn more!

This week, we sit down with Rich Ognibene, the 2008 New York State Teacher of the Year. Among the topics of conversation: qualities that make a good teacher stand out, managing student discipline before it becomes a problem, and cultivating a productive and welcoming classroom environment. Most of all, you'll sense Rich's passion for teaching and for his students as he explains how to move beyond simply conveying academic content in your classroom to making a difference in your students' lives.

Glen's on vacation this week, but the show must go on! Big things are happening at the New Teacher Hotline even though it's only our tenth episode. We unveil a new segment this week called the American Top Fifty, with a goal of interviewing the Teachers of the Year from all 50 states. After all, what could be better than teaching tips and advice from the best of the best? This week Mike talks to Dana Boyd, the Teacher of the Year from Texas. The honoree from deep in the heart of Texas has a big heart herself and lots of good advice about truly valuing your students.