Keystone Oaks teacher wins national award for leadership
When Kevin Gallagher steps in front of his high school classroom each day, he knows he’s going to give it his all.
For 26 years, Mr. Gallagher has dedicated his career to students in the Keystone Oaks School District where he is currently a high school math and computer science teacher. In that time he has worked to bolster the district’s curriculum while taking the extra step to sponsor clubs such as Girls Who Code, ultimately catapulting the district into national recognition for his work on closing the gender gap in AP computer science classes.
His dedication was recognized this week when he became one of five educators across the country to receive the 2023 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. The award, presented by the NEA Foundation, recognizes educators for their leadership inside and out of the classroom.
“Do your job and then extraordinary things happen when you least expect them. … That’s me,” Mr. Gallagher said. “I’m a show up every day, come early, stay late kind of person.”
Mr. Gallagher this summer learned he was nominated for the award by the Pennsylvania State Education Association. At that point, he was one of 46 teachers across the country to be recommended.
The recommendations then moved on to the NEA Foundation — a nonprofit organization that promotes the best in public education — whose panel reviews applications and decides who will make it to the top five.
The 2023 award included Mr. Gallagher; Stephanie Ballard, a South Dakota math teacher; Natalie JohnsonBerry, dean of students and restorative justice facilitator at a Kansas high school; Theresa Maughan,a New Jersey social studies teacher; and Lee Perez, a Nebraska English teacher.
“These talented educators have connected powerfully with students, supporting them in the moment and empowering them for the future,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “Their educational expertise, commitment to serving students’ diverse needs and ability to uplift their colleagues are fundamental to creating robust and inclusive learning environments for all.”
In addition to supporting access for women in coding, Mr. Gallagher was key in starting and teaching AP computer science classes in the district while also working to bring back and enhance statistical courses offered to students. He also hosts a Night of Code each year where parents and students can learn about computer sciences and code together.
Mr.Gallagher also works to increase diversity and inclusion in computer science courses while also focusing on professional development. He is completing his masters degree from Notre Dame University in data science.
“I was recognized for doing what I love to do,” Mr. Gallagher said.
Additionally, Mr. Gallagher received $10,000 and will be featured in a mini-documentary that will premiere at the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in May.
“Kevin is a true educational leader, not only at Keystone Oaks, but throughout the region and across the state,” said Keystone Oaks Superintendent William P. Stropkaj. “Kevin understands the importance of meeting the needs of the whole child and not marginalizing any learner in our district. … He is more than deserving of this recognition and we are beyond proud to have him recognized as one of the top educators in the country.”