Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon has its first National Teacher of the Year since 1973 – and just like  35 years ago, the winner is from Central Oregon.

Michael Geisen

Crook County Middle School science teacher Michael Geisen says the award is an honor and an enormous responsibility.

Glowing recommendations in Geisen’s application highlight the Prineville teacher’s use of technology and music to  excite kids about science.

As National Teacher of the Year, Geisen will travel around the country speaking to education groups. He told OPB that he wants teachers to think more broadly about their  teaching.

Michael Geisen: “We need to find a balance between some of the more traditional skills of math and reading and writing, which are important. But we have to see that there’s a whole ‘nother side to education, for preparing kids for a future that’s very different in the 21st century. So we need to really focus on creativity, adaptability, and innovation, and collaboration.”

President Bush will officially recognize Michael Geisen as National Teacher of the Year Wednesday, at a ceremony at the White House.

Oregon’s last National Teacher of the Year, Jack Ensworth, now has an elementary school named after him, in Bend.