Teacher’s contributions go beyond the classroom

WASILLA — Linda Jo Klapperich is on cloud nine, a place she’s resided for at least the past month.

In May, Klapperich, a 20-year veteran teacher at Palmer Junior Middle School, was selected this year’s Mat-Su School District Teacher of the Year.

“As principal of Palmer Junior Middle School, I inherited a school that was determined by the federal government to be a school that needed improving,” Gene Stone wrote in nominating Klapperich for the honor. “Without Ms. Klapperich’s support for accountability and changing the way business was done at Palmer Junior Middle School, I would not have been able to move forward with the changes that needed to be made.”

On Friday, she took some time away from building her Teacher of the Year float for the Fourth of July parade in Wasilla — the float wasn’t her idea; she says her friend, state Sen. Linda Menard, put her up to it — to talk about the award, her years in the district and her philosophy of teaching.

FRONTIERSMAN: Tell us about how you heard you’d won.

KLAPPERICH: When I received the call May 25, I was truly elated and honored. I was at The Beehive getting my hair trimmed and I just jumped up and started crying. We do have over 1,200 teachers in this Valley. Over 1,200! So I’m honored to be selected.

FRONTIERSMAN: How did you discover you wanted to be a teacher?

KLAPPERICH: I started volunteering (in schools) throughout college (in Wisconsin). I realized in my heart that I wanted to be a building block in the lives and mentor of these students. I was offered a teaching job before even graduating college. … I had a calling to be a teacher and I was passionate about teaching and I felt I could make a difference.

FRONTIERSMAN: What do you think makes a good teacher?

KLAPPERICH: Taking a personal interest in each and every student. Our students need constant encouragement. We need to give our students a gush of hope every day.

FRONTIERSMAN: What are your strengths as a teacher?

KLAPPERICH: One of the things I do best is showcasing my students (in geography and spelling bees and other events). I think showcasing my students outside the school is an important thing. Another thing that is huge at my school is the talent show. I emcee that every year. It gives the students confidence. That itself can go a long way to helping with their academics.

FRONTIERSMAN: The Valley has changed quite a bit in 20 years. Has education changed along with it?

KLAPPERICH: It has. I think what’s exciting for me is that more so than ever, I’m working with all the kids (not just those in my classes).

FRONTIERSMAN: In 20 years, how many students do you think you’ve educated?

KLAPPERICH: I don’t even know how you would calculate that. Hundreds of students per year, if you think about how many students you’ve affected, not just in your classroom.

FRONTIERSMAN: What do you do when you’re not teaching?

KLAPPERICH: Community service is extremely important to me.

(She pulls from a folder a page of the packet she submitted to the Teacher of the Year panel that lists 20 organizations, from the Alaska Food Bank to the Special Olympics to the Rotary Club, to which she donates her time).

They only allowed me one page. One of the biggest things is Champions for Children. I’m the chairperson of that. We’re honoring individuals that go above and beyond in the classroom.

(She stands up and pantomimes the action on scene at the awards ceremony as she continues explaining.)

They get a beautiful plaque and then they go over here and a professional photographer takes their picture. Many times these people have never been recognized in the community. They have tears in their eyes. It’s a celebratory evening. Organizing it takes hours, and it’s fun. I don’t mind doing it. This is just part of who I am.

FRONTIERSMAN (reading from the packet): What are your greatest contributions and accomplishments in education?

KLAPPERICH (reading her answer): While I believe all of the academic successes, community successes and activity successes are notable accomplishments, I truly believe my greatest accomplishment is that I have lived a life doing what I love. Without passion, conviction and a belief that teaching remains one of the greatest professions in this country, I could not do what I do each day.

Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.