ST. LOUIS, MAY 2, 2005 - Andrew Gensler, language arts teacher at Eureka High School, has been named the 2004-2005 Rockwood School District Teacher of the Year.

Gensler has taught at Eureka High for the last five years. He was recruited by Rockwood after graduating from Truman State University with his master's degree in education. Gensler is currently pursuing National Board Certification - a growing effort to strengthen standards for the teaching profession beyond state licensure by creating national standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

What attributes does Gensler believe are important in a teacher? "Good teachers develop positive relationships with students," says Gensler. "I want my students to know I care about their learning, and I want them to 'get it' in my classroom. I think good teachers challenge their students, but also provide them with the support they need to meet the challenge successfully."

Each year, the individual schools in Rockwood choose an educator to represent their school as the teacher of the year. From this selection of candidates, the district recognizes elementary, middle and high school teachers of the year. One of these individuals is then selected as the Rockwood School District Teacher of the Year. This year, Gensler was selected the high school teacher of the year. Elementary and middle school honorees were Debbie Baebler from the Early Childhood Special Education at Vandover in Fenton and Judi Lund from Selvidge Middle in Ballwin.

Gensler credits his colleagues for cultivating a successful environment for students at Eureka High. "It is a bit overwhelming to be singled out by your peers," says Gensler. "This is a hard-working group of people who sacrifice countless hours to meet the demands of their jobs because they really care about students. Many teachers in Rockwood deserve this award."

Gensler quotes:
"Every child is capable of learning; my job is to make learning challenging and relevant," says Gensler. "In this day and age when public schools come under increasing fire from bureaucrats, parents and even educators, I am proud to say that I am a public school teacher."

"It is absolutely essential that all students be held to a standard of personal excellence," says Gensler. "The course level does not matter; what matters is letting students know that giving less than they are capable of is not acceptable."

"My greatest accomplishments in education are setting the bar high for my students, and then helping them jump over it," says Gensler. "I have learned to build a strong rapport with my students to let them know they are genuinely valued in my classroom, as are their dreams. It is important for students to discover who they are and what they stand for."

What do Gensler's students think about him as a teacher?
Sarah Reeves, a sophomore at Eureka High, is a student of Mr. Gensler in his Civilization Language Survey class. "Sometimes, when I doubt myself and what I can do, Mr. Gensler steps in and gives me the encouragement to believe in myself. He inspires me to reach for my goals."

Laura Greaves, a sophomore at Eureka High, also is in Mr. Gensler's language arts class. "Mr. Gensler always goes that extra mile for students. When we see how hard he works for us, we want to go that extra mile for him."