A Big Honor for a Teacher from Golden Valley

Last week , a teacher at FAIR School in Crystal, was told to bring his class to the auditorium at 2pm. As the teacher at an arts school, he thought the class was attending a student performance, and didn’t think much of it.

The real purpose of the assembly was to honor Charlesworth-Seiler, who learned at this surprise ceremony that he is the first teacher from Minnesota to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

We asked Charlesworth-Seiler, who has 28 years of teaching experience, a few questions about this prestigious accomplishment. 

How do you feel knowing you'll be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in June?

Though I had known I was nominated for the National Teachers Hall of Fame, when the announcement was first made and I was called on stage, I was definitely surprised. But, it wasn't until the end of the day when it all began to become real for me. To imagine being recognized nationally for the work I do locally is pretty amazing. It is thrilling to know that the things I was taught to value when I was growing up - working hard, helping others, doing one's best - were significant and being honored. 

I am very aware of how many wonderful teachers there are, especially in my school and in Minnesota. With all of the amazing teachers I know and was fortunate to learn from, it seems impossible that no Minnesota teacher has been included in the Teachers Hall of Fame in the last 20 years. So, I know that I represent all of those teachers who have not yet been fortunate to have their efforts recognized.  I hope they can all know the appreciation that I have felt since the announcement. I was especially proud to share the news with my parents, two retired teachers who were important parts of their students lives and who still inspire me in my profession. 

As part of the induction process you will be recognized in Washington DC and in Kansas, where the induction ceremony will take place. What are you looking forward to most as you travel?

The good fortune of circumstances has allowed me to do many exciting things in my teaching career. I hope that traveling to Washington and being involved with the Hall of Fame might allow me to provide some influence about things that I feel are important issues in education. Equal opportunity, the arts and integrated learning as curriculum devices, and building school community are all issues I feel strongly about.  As all teachers know, there is always a way to take someone else's idea and make it fit one's own students. I am looking forward to meeting other recognized teachers and learning from them.  I think there is a possibility I may meet some policy makers in Washington. I won't be shy about sharing ideas my colleagues and I have with them if I get the chance. 

Where do you see your teaching career in five years?

Lots of times teachers who are judged to be noteworthy are encouraged to become administrators. While administration is a worthy career, I am a teacher. To me, there isn't a promotion from teaching.  Being able to foster children on their way to becoming more reasoning and capable individuals is a remarkable spot to be.  I love new challenges in teaching, but I hope that I can continue on planning and teaching lessons to students. I can't imagine anything more rewarding!