PORT ANGELES — To Rob Edwards, teaching is all about collaboration.
Edwards, who was named the 2008-2009 Educator of the Year for the Washington American Legion, said he accepts the award on behalf of all the educators he works with.
“This is about so much more than just me,” the Stevens Middle School technology teacher said.
“It is about all of us working together.”
He rattled off the names of more than a dozen fellow teachers and para-educators, adding that there were many more who help contribute to his success.
After staying after the Thursday ceremony where he was recognized, he returned to his class a couple of minutes late to find a para-educator leading the class.
Comfortable first day
“See that is exactly what I’m talking about,” he said from the hallway.
“There a para-educator has jumped in to make sure that the kids on their first day are comfortable and not nervous coming in after the assembly.
“I couldn’t do anything that I do without all of the other teachers and support we have here.”
As the Educator of the Year he received $250 on Thursday to spend in the classroom however he sees fit.
The award, a surprise to Edwards at the first day of school assembly on Thursday, is given to one secondary level teacher in the state annually.
Microsoft recognition
In 2006, a portfolio project by Edwards and fellow Pat Durr and Dwayne Johnson built of digital versions of students’ work from throughout school was recognized by Microsoft as a top technology project.
“That is one thing Microsoft has been talking about — collaborative education, because it isn’t just about teaching each subject on its own but working with each other to show students how it is applied,” Edwards said.
Edwards was nominated by Port Angeles School District board member Cindy Kelly.
Recommendation
Her recommendation was submitted by representatives of District III of the American Legion, Department of Washington, for review.
“We like to honor and recognize teachers for all of the hard work that they do,” said Bob Schwartz, state commander.
“We like to recognize that their daily business is to teach the youth of America, and that is one of the most important parts of our society.”
Edwards, who attended Stevens Middle School as a student, said his biggest payoff in teaching was not awards, but seeing students out in the world after graduation.
“Sometimes I’ll hear from one who is doing something for Nokia or Microsoft and talk to them about advances of technology and it is one of those a whole circle of life things,” Edwards said.
Edwards been at Stevens for all 15 years of his teaching career.
Edwards is also a volunteer, working as chief of operations for a staff of more 25 search and rescue personnel.
Coaching baseball
He’s been involved in coaching baseball and in developing the Stevens’ Junior Ambassador Program with Port Angeles’ sister of Mutsu City, Japan.
Edwards received an associate’s degree from Peninsula College in 1990, a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in 1994 and a master’s in education from City University in 1995.
“The first most important thing for the American Legion is to take care of our veterans,” Schwartz said.
“After that is the families and communities that we are in. This is one way that we recognize those in our community.”
“He is always seeking the opportunity to give his students the best educational instruction that will make them a better global educated individual,” Kelly’s nomination letter said.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
