Vol. 40, No. 19

CONTACT:  JIM MORRIS
Director, Public Information
573-751-3469

May 12, 2006

“So Who Wouldn’t Just Love this Job?”

Missouri Teacher of the Year Jerry Thornton

Recognized by President Bush at White House Ceremony

  

When Jerry Thornton had a young girl in his P.E. class who was blind, he prepared a unit in which classmates could simulate her blindness. The girl’s peers wore blindfolds and experienced the challenges she faced in the gym such as catching a ball, running with a sighted guide and performing exercises. From then on, many classmates offered to be her sighted guide and reminded the others to help her succeed in the activities.

The lesson – the power of inclusion – is one that Thornton routinely incorporates into his teaching. He instills in his students the value of community and shows them how to support, encourage and include others in their daily interactions. Thornton, an elementary teacher in the Francis Howell School District, is Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2005-06. “Character education means teaching children to do the right thing — even when no one is looking and to encourage other members of the community to do the same,” he said.

A Visit with the President and First Lady

President George W. Bush recognized Thornton and the other 2006 state Teachers of the Year at a National Teacher of the Year ceremony in the White House Rose Garden April 26.

After his trip to Washington, D.C., Thornton was featured speaker at the Missouri Teacher of the Year Clinic May 5 in Jefferson City, which was held for new candidates in the program. During the clinic, he discussed his experiences this school year as state Teacher of the Year and showed the video portion of his application. The following excerpt is taken from his video entry for the award.

“What’s the Best Thing about Being a Teacher?”

  • “First, I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy the day-to-day work, the challenges of the variety of ages, abilities and attitudes. Every day is a new day, regardless of what I’ve planned. You’re constantly adapting, changing and differentiating your instruction to be most effective. You have to learn to think on your feet. As the children interact, there’s conflict. You have to figure out not just how to stop the conflict but how to facilitate their development of strategies, so they can work it out among themselves.
  • Energy. I enjoy the energy when each class enters the classroom — and my classroom is huge [gymnasium at Warren Elementary School]. The anticipation of movement and excitement sweeps into the room, and it recharges me every time they come in.
  • Sharing. Since I see them just every other day, they want to catch me up on what’s happening in their lives: ‘I got a new puppy.’ ‘We’re going to the lake this weekend,’ or ‘Grandpa’s been sick.’ It’s these times and connections that I realize just how big a part we are of each other’s lives and how truly special that is.
  • Discovery. I get to be present at that precise moment of discovery – whether it’s how to keep the hula hoop up … or how to keep three objects up in the air when juggling. Every time I hear, ‘Mr. Thornton, I got it!’ it takes me back to those firsts that I shared with my own daughter. I get to relive that feeling almost daily. So who wouldn’t just love this job?
  • Collaboration. I enjoy the planning, the support, the camaraderie, and the insight of my colleagues.
  • Lastly, what I enjoy best about teaching is the sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day, at the end of the year, I know ― I know ― that I’ve spent my time in the most worthwhile endeavor that there is.”

This year’s state finalists also assisted at the clinic. They are: Paula Berner, Special School District of St. Louis County; Ross Bullington, Mehlville School District; Myra Collins, Kirksville School District; Brad Peck, Independence School District; and Christine Renault, Lee’s Summit School District.

At the clinic, Thornton explained how he almost lost his opportunity to meet the president. After being nominated by his school district, he had nearly decided not to submit his application, but a colleague encouraged him to turn it in. He told the applicants the process is demanding but well worth the effort. [NOTE: Candidates for the 2006-07 Teacher of the Year program must submit their application materials by July 21.]

The State Board of Education honored Thornton and the five finalists at a banquet in Jefferson City Nov. 14, 2005. He attended a national conference in January for state Teachers of the Year in Dallas. He addressed the Missouri House of Representatives April 4. His upcoming activities include attending International Space Camp and flying with the Blue Angels, the goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.