Kurt Russell is the 2022 National Teacher of the Year
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell began teaching 25 years ago with the belief that education can transform students’ lives. Since then, this veteran teacher at Oberlin High School has taught multiple courses including African American history, U.S. History, international baccalaureate history of the Americas, and a course on race, gender and oppression.
Russell 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. In addition to teaching classes, Russell also serves as a lead teacher at Oberlin High School and as advisor for the Black Student Union, student council and junior class.
Since 1996, Russell has coached basketball for Oberlin City Schools. As the head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, he has received numerous awards, including the Lorain County Basketball Association’s Coach of the Year and the Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year.
Russell, who has always enjoyed learning about history, decided to become a teacher when he was in middle school.
He was inspired by his math teacher, who was the first Black male teacher he had in school. Russell went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history and minor in Black studies from the College of Wooster. He obtained a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University, and he continues to take courses in child development at Oakland City University.
Last Modified: 11/3/2023 10:40:42 AM