Brownsburg Junior High School

At Brownsburg Junior High School in Brownsburg, seventh-grade global studies teacher Matt Walsh creates an engaging learning environment for his students through a variety of instructional strategies. These include problem-based, cooperative learning and discussions, as well as demonstrations on video, PowerPoint and the Internet. Last year Mr. Walsh's students addressed the city's transportation problems as part of their “Building Better Communities” unit by conducting interviews, collecting data and contacting experts throughout the world. They then created a Web site presentation for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization about the impact a monorail system would have on the city. In another unit called “Youth Forum,” Mr. Walsh’s students practice editorial writing; last year two of his students saw their editorials published in the Indianapolis Star. In 2002 he was named Brownsburg Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year.