Excellence found at local schools

At a time when much of the focus on education is on how many children are left behind, it’s important to also recognize what works in public education. In the Mat-Su Valley, we’ve had a couple such reminders this week as a pair of local teachers have been singled out for their professional excellence.

Robert Williams, a Colony High School math teacher, was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Association of Alaska School Boards. Christa Hayes is a physical education teacher at Fronteras Charter School who was also honored as Elementary PE Teacher of the Year by the Alaska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Williams and Hayes are far from the only outstanding teachers in the Mat-Su Valley, but their awards serve as a reminder of the dedication, hard work and imagination needed to succeed in educating our children in this “Age of Information.”

Societal pressures continue to place more on the plates of public educators. More and more, teachers are also asked to serve, at times, as surrogate parents. Far from the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, public school teachers are also tasked with being social counselors and, when it’s missing from the home, the only positive adult role models in the lives of our youth.

For Hayes, her choice of teaching physical education is more challenging, as outside physical activity competes with video games and computer time. We commend teachers like Hayes who step up to the challenge of giving our children a superlative education. For her, a determination to change the way students learn about health and physical education is paying off.

For Williams, the challenge of making mathematics fun is no less daunting. Himself a graduate of Palmer High School, Williams is an excellent example for teens that may not think their adult future lies in the Valley.

While we report on individuals like Williams and Hayes, they are examples of the overall excellence that can be found — and too often overlooked — in our local schools. Chances are, you had at least one teacher like Williams or Hayes who made an exceptional impression on your education. Your children have the same here.

We salute Williams, Hayes and all the exceptional educators in the Mat-Su Valley who daily go above and beyond for our children.