Kenneth Elverum, social studies teacher at Eagle Valley Middle School, said he was surprised when he learned he had been chosen as the educator of the year from his school a few weeks ago.
Now, he's amazed: He will be named tonight as the district's educator of the year, as well.
"You feel real honored," he said. "You don't think of awards when you're teaching school."
The principals at each school, with the advice of the teachers, select one of their colleagues as educator of the year. From those, a committee of principals and teachers selects one to represent the district.
Elverum said his success is a reflection of the hard work of his peers.
"Being chosen as the representative for the district is a great honor, but it's one I share with my colleagues," he said. "We're a team here."
Elverum left his career as a researcher for the Legislature 10 years ago to pursue a teaching career.
"I wanted to make a difference and enjoy going to work every day," he said. He said he found that in the eight years he has been teaching.
"The kids always have interesting insight and make every day enjoyable," he said.
Not only does he enjoy working with children but also enjoys teaching about ancient civilizations.
"Everything is so fun and so new," he said. "The kids are interested in learning about mummies and knights in castles. I'm learning right along with them and that's the part I really enjoy."
Associate Superintendent Mary Pierczynski, who worked with Elverum when she was principal at Eagle Valley Middle School, was pleased to see him receive the honor.
"He's really deserving," she said. "In his classroom he makes history fun."
Pierczynski said Elverum always does special projects to bring history to life.
She said that after the students learn about the Egyptian culture, Elverum comes to class dressed as a pharaoh and has an Egyptian banquet.
"He really knows the subject matter so he's able to show them the fun side of it," she said. "He adds human interest to it. He's someone who makes it all come alive for the kids."
Pierczynski said that the teachers chosen from each school demonstrate a quality of educational excellence.
"The folks chosen from each school do very special things," she said. "There are so many good things going on in the schools and it gives us an opportunity to recognize those who go above and beyond. The most important job in the entire world is being a teacher and we need to recognize those who do an exceptionally good job at it."
She said it also sets an example for other educators.
"It helps inspire everybody to teach at a higher level of excellence," she said.
Educators of the year will be honored tonight at the Carson City School Board meeting in the Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center at 7 p.m.
They are:
- Kenneth Elverum - Eagle Valley Middle School and districtwide
- Penny Reynolds - Carson High School
- Nora Wilson - Carson Middle School
- Katrina Eckery - Bordewich/Bray Elementary School
- Jana Hatch-Flint - Empire Elementary School
- Martina "Tina" Akerley - Fremont Elementary School
- Laura Valley - Fritsch Elementary School
- William "Joe" LaChew - Mark Twain Elementary School
- Lenae Dericco - Seeliger Elementary School
- Bonnie Dietrich - Student Support Services