National Teacher of the Year Winner Kurt Russell to Emphasize Diversity as Lawmakers in His Home State of Ohio Rail Against ‘Divisive’ Topics
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Kurt Russell, an African American history teacher and high school basketball coach from Oberlin High School in Ohio, is well-known for sacrificing his planning periods to sit with one of his players during class, ensuring that the student is meeting academic expectations.
As a graduate of the Cleveland-area school where he has taught for 25 years, Russell continues to organize an annual basketball tournament and festival in Oberlin. This experience has convinced him that working with high school students is a "joy".
Several of Russell’s students have commended him for pushing them to give their best, even when they are tired and feel like they can’t do anymore. Caleb Peterson, a senior who has had Russell as a teacher every year since ninth grade and is currently taking three of his courses, expressed gratitude for the lessons Russell taught him, both on the basketball court and in the classroom.
On Tuesday, the Council of Chief State School Officers announced that Russell has been named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year. To celebrate this achievement, the school organized a watch party where students and staff gathered dressed in the school’s colors, red, white, and blue. Peterson described the atmosphere in the auditorium as electric when the announcement was made.
As a teacher of American history with a focus on the Black experience, Russell plans to dedicate his year as the nation’s top teacher to breaking down barriers in education. Particularly at a time when there is national scrutiny regarding how educators approach discussions on race and discrimination.
"I aim to prioritize diversity and ensure that students receive a comprehensive educational experience," Russell stated. Additionally, he plans to advocate for increased participation of girls in STEM fields and for more male teachers in early grades.
Russell’s decision to pursue a career in education was influenced by his eighth-grade math teacher, Larry Thomas, who was also a Black male. Russell spoke about the personal connection he felt with Thomas, given their shared cultural background. This experience motivated Russell to teach U.S. History and elective courses on subjects such as race, oppression, and Black music, which have become some of the most popular courses at the school.
Those who have worked closely with Russell, such as Denita Tolbert-Brown, a business teacher at the school, have witnessed his deep dedication to his students and the engagement he fosters in his lessons.
Peterson, who is currently deciding between offers from Temple University in Philadelphia and Clark Atlanta University, expressed how Russell’s teaching ignited his interest in books on racial history, even though reading no longer captivates him as it once did. Peterson aspires to have a similar impact on others as his favorite teacher and former coach has had on him.
On Tuesday, Oberlin High students gathered in the auditorium to await the announcement of the National Teacher of the Year. Russell feels fortunate to work in a "progressive" district where he has not faced opposition from the community over his teachings on racial and gender discrimination. Contrarily, some Republican lawmakers in his state have introduced bills that seek to restrict lessons on what they consider "divisive" topics, including references to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Despite the challenges faced by educators, exacerbated by the pandemic, Russell emphasizes the importance of respect for teachers and their expertise. He believes that teachers should be trusted to make educational decisions without interference from politicians.
While many of his colleagues may feel weary, Russell remains committed to his mission of empowering students and providing them with an inclusive education.
Experts have criticized bills like Florida’s "Stop WOKE" bill, deeming them as "flatly unconstitutional".
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has selected Russell as the winner, which has the potential to bring a valuable perspective to the ongoing discussion in Ohio and nationwide, according to Anton Schulzki, the president of the National Council for the Social Studies. However, it will ultimately be up to Russell to determine how he wants to utilize his voice.
Proposed bills in Ohio, such as those mentioned, are causing concern among individuals, leading them to reconsider pursuing a career in education, as noted by Jeff Wensing, the vice president of the Ohio Education Association. Wensing further explained that there is a decline in students interested in joining the teaching profession, emphasizing the importance of Russell’s role in generating interest specifically among young Black men. Increasing the presence of teachers of color is essential so that students can see individuals who resemble them taking charge in the classroom.
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