Vol. 41, No. 57
August 30, 2007
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS
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Junior High Teacher in Liberty Is
Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2007-08
Social Studies Teacher’s Activities Teach More than Dates and Facts,
Students Are "Exploring the Dynamic Narrative of Our Nation"
Social studies teacher Eric Langhorst uses high-tech tools to teach students about the past. In his American history class, he incorporates 21st-century technology to make learning meaningful and exciting for his students.
The eighth-grade teacher at South Valley Junior High School in the Liberty School District is Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2007-08, state education officials announced today.
Mr. Langhorst strives to make the classroom experience fresh and exciting and uses cutting-edge technology to actively engage his students. His students participate in live debates, play computer simulations of presidential elections and invite local elected officials as guest speakers.
"Technology has become a tool that I utilize in my classroom to bring the outside world to my students and allow my students to share their experiences with a global community," Mr. Langhorst said.
"The focus for today’s student has shifted from the art of obtaining information to the art of evaluating and applying the information they receive." For example, when students study the presidential election of 1860, they are assigned a project of creating a 30-second television ad for Abraham Lincoln to help him win the presidency. Students work as Abraham Lincoln’s campaign staff and apply the information they are learning through this modern-day problem-solving experience.
In a letter of recommendation for the award, Kimberly Gilmore, director of history for The History Channel/A&E Television Networks in New York, described Mr. Langhorst as an "invigorating" teacher whose innovative practices provide a stellar example for not only his students but for other teachers. "Through dynamic lectures, podcasts and special activities, Mr. Langhorst regards his students as historians in their own right. Their acceptance of his challenges to interpret, think about and care about history shines through in the projects he pursues."
A nine-member selection committee appointed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education interviewed six state-level finalists Aug. 29 to select the new Teacher of the Year. Mr. Langhorst automatically becomes Missouri’s candidate for the 2008 National Teacher of the Year award.
Mr. Langhorst is beginning his 14th year in the profession. He has been in his current position at South Valley Junior High School for six years.
His teaching follows two basic principles: engaging the students in the story of American history and modeling a lifestyle that includes the practice of life-long learning.
"I truly love the amazing story that I am able to unravel for my students each year – American history. My curriculum is filled with heroes, villains, tragedy, triumph and questions. My job is to bring these stories to life. Teaching this curriculum is not about me telling the students what they need to know. Teaching history for me is about bringing my students along with me as I continue my journey on exploring the dynamic narrative of our nation."
"The most meaningful rewards I receive from teaching are the unexpected positive comments from students and parents. I feel as if I am making a difference when a parent tells me their child came home and engaged the family in a discussion about a topic we covered in class. Ultimately, my greatest reward is a hope that somewhere down the road my students will visit a museum or a historical site with their children and pass down a love for history that may have started in my class."
Community Involvement
Mr. Langhorst is the social studies department chairperson for his school. He serves on the district’s technology team and recently was a mentor for a first-year teacher in the district. He was head eighth-grade boys’ basketball coach from 2001-2007.
He is an adjunct faculty member at Park University, Parkville, teaching graduate courses in instructional technology. He serves on the Clay County Historical Society Board of Directors.
In 2005, he created a blog and podcast, "Speaking of History." Teachers from across the nation and the world visit the Web site to discuss topics relating to education, history and technology.
He has won numerous awards, including the 2006 Cable’s Leader in Learning Award from the national cable TV industry. He was a finalist for the 2007 Daughters of the American Revolution National History Teacher of the Year and was selected to the 2006 National School Boards’ Association’s "20 to Watch List" for educational technology leadership over the next 20 years.
His articles have been published in several publications, including Educational Leadership magazine, Discovery Education Resource Guide and School Library Journal magazine.
Mr. Langhorst was raised in Howells, Neb., a rural community in east-central Nebraska. Before joining the Liberty School District in 2001, he taught in Nebraska as a junior high and high school history teacher in Newman Grove and Roseland. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on instructional technology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
South Valley Junior High School Principal Brad Armstrong said, "Mr. Langhorst puts forth a great deal of time and effort working with students outside the classroom on various events and projects. His students volunteer at the Clay County Museum and facilitate Liberty Historical and Architectural Heritage walking tours. Mr. Langhorst has a unique passion for his content and his profession, and it shows each day, both inside and outside his classroom."
The State Board of Education will honor Mr. Langhorst and the five finalists in the Teacher of the Year program at a banquet Nov. 13 in Jefferson City. Each teacher will receive cash awards and other prizes.
The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with major funding provided by the Boeing Company, St. Louis.
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For more information, contact David Welch, coordinator of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, at 573/751-2453.