Kurt Russell, a history teacher at Oberlin High School, is one of four finalists nominated for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award. The award is part of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) program and is the country’s most prestigious teacher recognition program. Russell is a graduate of Oberlin High School and says the nomination is not just about him.
“It is about the entire Oberlin community,” he says. “The way I teach is based on my upbringing in Oberlin.”
Russell acquired a love for learning and was inspired to teach in kindergarten from his teacher Francine Toss. In eighth grade, he saw his first African American teacher, Larry Thomas, who taught math, grasp control of the classroom and gain respect and love from every student he taught.
Russell became fascinated with history from the children’s encyclopedias his parents bought when he was young. He went on to combine his passion for learning with the memories of his favorite teachers.
During the last 25 years, Russell has taught African American history, U.S. history and International Baccalaureate History of the Americas, as well as race, gender and oppression at Oberlin High School. He is an adviser for the Black Student Union, student council and junior class and has been the basketball coach since 1996.
Recognition for education is not new for Russell. He was awarded teacher of the year by the Ohio Teacher of the Year program in 2022, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 2019 and Oberlin Heritage Center in 2009. He has also been named Lorain County Basketball Coach of the Year and Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year.
Russell says part of his success as a teacher comes from using the Socratic method in which individuals ask and answer questions to stimulate critical thinking that will draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.
“It gets students engaged and is not just me standing there talking,” Russell says. “I ask questions and have them respond.”
Russell adds he is inspired by students and their eagerness to learn. He wants to provide students with the best education he can. He takes courses in child development at Oakland City University to continue to learn.
“A good teacher puts students first, comes to work on time and always uses appropriate language,” Russell says. “Good teachers become better by reflecting on their time as an educator, regularly taking courses, and being open to constructive criticism from students.”
Students and colleagues describe Russell as genuine, kind and humble.
“He is always engaging with students and teaches with excitement,” says Denita Tolbert-Brown, business teacher at Oberlin High School. “Sometimes, when I am down,” agrees David Reese, English teacher at Oberlin High School, “I stand near his classroom and listen to him teach.”
Russell has a similar effect on his students. “I have a father, but Russ is always there for me,” says Caleb Patterson.
Russell says since winning the 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year award and being nominated for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award his “goal has always been and will continue to be being the best teacher that I can be,” he says.
