Baltimore City Teacher Of The Year Believes In Expanding Classrooms
Ryan Kaiser, the 2015-16 Baltimore City Teacher of the Year, is a firm believer in expanding the classroom through experiential learning. He is a middle school social studies teacher at The Mt. Washington School in Baltimore, and is also active in the school community, writing curriculum and lesson plans for teachers nationwide, as well as for the middle school honors curriculum. He also has founded a summer camp for kids called the Baltimore Environmental Explorers Summer Camp.
Kaiser obtained a B.A. in elementary administration from the University of Omaha, and later received a M.A. in elementary education from the same school. Just last summer, he completed a course in outdoor experiential learning at the University of Colorado.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
"I come from a family of teachers. My parents loved teaching me about the history and environment around us through our family vacations. I realize now, my teaching methods reflect the way I enjoyed learning growing up. I immerse my students in a variety of texts, documentaries, and field trips because that is what inspired me to become a teacher. I hope these activities inspire them."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I originally intended to become an elementary teacher. The coursework helped to frame my plans and I gradually moved into the role of middle school history teacher. Everything I learned about being a teacher at the elementary level I have transferred to the middle school classroom."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"My education was really important to get me started in teaching, but as I became experienced, I wanted to expand the classroom. The coursework on experiential learning really matched my philosophy of 'learning by doing.' It is vital to get students involved."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into teaching?
"To become a teacher, consider what a 'classroom' is. Students cannot sit in their seats all day and listen to you. They need to be out in their communities experiencing what this world has to offer. As a teacher, it is important to collaborate with local businesses, parks, museums, universities, etc. Make learning fun!"
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
