Kurt Russell, a historical past trainer from Oberlin Excessive Faculty in Ohio, has been named the 2022 Nationwide Trainer of the Yr. He was chosen out of 4 finalists by the non-profit Council of Chief State Faculty Officers.
His college students say he's identified for emphasizing cultural relevance and illustration via his lessons.
"He is enthusiastic and relates his curriculum to real-world experiences," Oberlin Excessive Faculty Senior Nia Mitchell stated.
"He does a very good job of fostering conversations the place everybody can have a perspective," one other scholar stated.
Russell advised "CBS Mornings" that he's pleased with the college district he works for and that he will get his inspiration from his college students.
"Each day my youngsters convey a scent of respect, a scent of an eagerness to be taught, and I'm simply lucky that I'm a part of this nice schooling," Russell stated.
Russell grew up within the South and lived via a number of historic occasions. This, he stated, formed his need to change into a historical past trainer. He is been instructing for 25 years and advised "CBS Mornings" he is all the time in search of new methods to speak to college students about societal points.
"I attempt to make it possible for my college students have probably the most alternative to be taught, and the way in which I do that's via engagement — by permitting my college students to see themselves within the curriculum, and by seeing themselves within the curriculum, college students are rising," he stated.
Because the 2022 Nationwide Trainer of the Yr, Russell will meet with first girl Jill Biden on the White Home. He stated he needs to speak the significance of numerous hiring inside colleges throughout the nation.
"My message is obvious: to offer a various schooling alternative for all college students. Once I imply numerous, representing college and employees as nicely," he stated.