Going the Extra Mile - Teachers Honor Teachers
- Christie Wilkins, Dorr Elementary School, Springfield Local Schools
“Brad invests countless hours meticulously planning, creating, and often physically constructing, engaging learning activities for our students.”
-Christie Wilkins
it is a great privilege to nominate Brad Kerns for the esteemed Martha Holden Jennings Foundation's Teachers Honor Teachers program. Mr. Kerns exemplifies excellence as a Physical Education instructor at Dorr Elementary, where he serves as a valuable educator alongside me, a third-grade teacher. During my brief tenure at Dorr, I have witnessed firsthand Brad's remarkable dedication to his profession. He invests countless hours meticulously planning, creating, and often physically constructing, engaging learning activities for our students. Some notable examples of his innovative lessons include rock climbing, glow bowling, archery, pool noodle tag, scooter courses, miniature golf, and a unique and active version of battleship.
At Dorr, we cater to a highly diverse student body encompassing individuals with autism, emotional requirements, and physical challenges. Nevertheless, this diversity does not impede Brad's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity among all students. He diligently exerts additional effort to guarantee that every child has equitable access to educational activities and lessons, making adaptations when necessary.
One instance involves a student who uses a wheelchair within a mainstream educational setting. A team member told me, "Mr. Kerns ensures she is always included. She uses a special standing chair to participate, but when that doesn't work out, he helps her personally. For example, on the climbing wall, he helps her get on it, and then he helps her move along so she is doing the same thing as her peers. There have also been times when she did not like the modification, so Mr. Kerns thought quickly on his feet to find a new way of doing it so she would feel comfortable." This is just one example of Brad's unwavering commitment to fostering an atmosphere where each student is embraced, valued, and respected.
There are many times when Brad strives to integrate other educational and social-emotional aspects into his lessons. In academics, he utilizes sight words as objectives for younger students in archery, while older students accrue "money" for completing tasks and then they add it up. Regarding Social and Emotional Learning, Brad is renowned for teaching life skills such as good sportsmanship, striving for excellence, and fostering self-belief among his students. When questioned why Mr. Kerns deserves this award, one student said, "He makes us believe in ourselves. When we do it wrong, or someone makes fun of us, he says not to worry. We should try again, and we should just believe in ourselves."
Brad's exceptional qualities as an educator extend beyond his instructional duties. He actively contributes to our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team to enhance school culture, coaches the high school golf team, and leads our Safety Patrol. Moreover, Brad generously volunteers his time, both during planning hours and after school, to various groups and clubs. These include a leadership group for at-risk students needing additional adult guidance and life skills, a game club promoting cooperative learning, and a rock-climbing club promoting physical and mental skills like perseverance and positive self-affirmation.
At Dorr Elementary, we are very proud to acknowledge Brad Kerns and are privileged to witness his profound and daily positive influence on our students, school, and community.
Teachers Honor Teachers
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation launched a new program in fall 2022 inviting teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.
In the above post, Christie Wilkins expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Brad Kerns. Thank you to both educators for your dedication to students and for taking the time to showcase what it means to deliver challenging, innovative, and student-centered lessons that result in powerful and deep learning.
Through the Teachers Honor Teachers Program, The Foundation is seeking Ohio public school teachers to share great things about a teaching colleague in an Ohio public school that ensures deep learning for students. If we choose to post your story, we will award $500 toward that teacher's classroom for their great work and $500 toward your classroom for honoring their excellence. Apply here.