Oberlin High teacher earns top honor

Kurt Russell, a social studies teacher at Oberlin High School, was named the 2022Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Kurt Russell, a social studies teacher at Oberlin High School, was named the 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria made the surprise public announcement during a schoolwide assembly Sept. 9 at Oberlin High School, according to a news release.

“The Teacher of the Year program does an outstanding job of identifying and celebrating Ohio’s incredible educators,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, in the release. “I want to congratulate Mr. Russell on being named Ohio’s Teacher of the Year. All of Ohio’s teachers have shown their dedication and commitment to our students especially during the ongoing pandemic.”

“The more I learn about Mr. Russell, the more inspired I am,” said DeMaria, in the release. “Not only does he bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to his classes, but he also exhibits an enthusiasm and joy for learning that is contagious among his students and colleagues.

“He truly is a leader among Ohio’s field of amazing educators.”

Russell said the honor is a joy. “I’m extremely honored to have been recognized as Ohio Teacher of the Year,” he said, in the release. “I applaud all those wonderful and gifted teachers throughout the state that are making impactful relationships in student lives.

“It is a joy to represent my fellow educators and students in being a voice for educational improvement.

“Finally, thank you to Oberlin City Schools for striving to be great. It’s truly a pleasure to work alongside some of the best administrators, staff and students.”

With 25 years of experience, Russell is a veteran teacher who believes education can transform students’ lives, the release said.

He teaches multiple courses, including African American history, U.S. history, International Baccalaureate history of the Americas and a course on race, gender and oppression in American and world history.

Russell also serves as a lead teacher at Oberlin High and is an advisor for the Black Student Union, student council and junior class.

He has received teacher of the year awards from the Oberlin Heritage Center in 2009 and the Oberlin Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 2019.

As an Oberlin Schools basketball coach since 1996, Russell has received numerous awards, including the Lorain County Basketball Association’s Coach of the Year and the Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year.

Russell received his bachelor of arts degree with a major in history and minor in Black studies from the College of Wooster. He earned a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University, according to the release.

As the state teacher of the year, Russell will represent Ohio in the 2022 National Teacher of the Year selection sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

The Ohio Teacher of the Year program began in 1964.

Russell