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Reed announces 2008 Teacher of the Year
INDIANAPOLIS – Math teacher Daniel Kuznik knows that the essentials of education are commonly listed as curriculum, instruction and assessment, but he challenges himself and other educators to form strong relationships with students. This is why Kuznik was named the 2008 Indiana Teacher of the Year in a surprise ceremony today at the Pike High School Freshman Center. Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed joined MSD of Pike Township Superintendent Nathaniel Jones and Pike High School Freshman Center Principal Shawn Smith in a special convocation to honor six-year teacher Kuznik. “Mr. Kuznik clearly has the ability to connect with his students in an important way,” Dr. Reed said. “The high expectations he sets for his students are a positive example for us all, and we are proud to have him representing us at the national teacher of the year competition.” Superintendent Jones said, “Dan is one of those rare educators who understands and embraces the awesome responsibility of educating all children. His strength as a teacher is his ability to connect, interact and inspire his students to learn.” Principal Smith agreed. “Mr. Kuznik embodies excellence in the classroom. When you enter his classroom, you witness the teacher who motivates and encourages his students to love math,” Smith said in a letter of recommendation. “His calm and positive demeanor has allowed him to gain the trust of his students.” An Indiana Department of Education committee comprised of department personnel and external community and education leaders – including former teachers of the year – selected Kuznik after interviewing 10 finalists this month. Kuznik was chosen from an initial pool of 53 public and nonpublic educators nominated by local superintendents across the state. As the winner, Kuznik will receive a technology package valued at approximately $5,000 from the SMARTer Kids Foundation, $1,000 from Indiana Farm Bureau and scholarship opportunities from Ball State University, Indiana State University and Indiana University. In addition, he will have the option to become a Teacher in Residence for one year with the Indiana Department of Education. Kuznik also will represent Indiana at the national competition in Washington, D.C. next spring. Maribeth Smith of the MSD of Washington Township was named the 2008 Indiana Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. Smith teaches music to students in grades K-5 at Harcourt Elementary School. Smith will receive $500 from Indiana Farm Bureau and a leather attachè case from Brenner Luggage, plus a framed certificate from the Department of Education. In addition, the 10 finalists each receive $100 and SMART Ideas software from the SMARTer Kids Foundation. All nominees will be honored Nov. 7 at the Hilton Indianapolis North at a dinner hosted by the Indiana Department of Education and the program's corporate sponsors – Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies and the SMARTer Kids Foundation. The Indiana Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., the Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Companies and the SMARTer Kids Foundation. The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers and sponsored by ING. Visit www.doe.in.gov/toy for more information on Indiana’s Teacher of the Year program.
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Indiana Department of Education |
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