Schools
Golden Valley Teacher Nominated for Award
A teacher from Golden Valley is one of 11 finalists competing for a spot in the National Teachers Hall of Fame.
Scott Charlesworth-Seiler, a teacher at FAIR School in Crystal, is vying for a spot in the National Teachers Hall of Fame. With 28 years of teaching experience, Charlesworth-Seiler has taught at many levels, but is currently a fifth grade teacher at the art-infused school.
We asked Scott Chartlesworth-Seiler, who lives in Golden Valley, a few questions about his role as a teacher.
What is it that you like most about teaching?
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What I like most about teaching is that I can, in real ways, help people improve their lives and better see how fascinating the world and the people in it can be.
What struggles do students face in your class?
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I think the first struggle students in all kinds of settings have is finding their learning relevant. One of the satisfying challenges of teaching is helping them find connections between their lives and the curricula that society has decided is important for them.
Other struggles that students have begin in how different their life experiences are. Some students have many things and opportunities "handed" to them. Others scratch and struggle to find access or opportunity.
Neither is necessarily always intrinsically right or wrong, but for students to see that expectations for success are the same when the starting line is different is hard. The reward can be in the feeling of accomplishment, but it can mean that some students need to develop skills to help them accomplish what others take for granted.
You were also a nominee for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year. How does it feel to be nominated for these awards?
Knowing that people are carefully thinking about my efforts reminds me why I try hard to be professional and complete with my work. That they have judged me noteworthy is humbling and gratifying because I know how many wonderful teachers there are.
Charlesworth-Seiler did make it to the final round in the Minnesota Teacher of the Year competition. He is one of 34 candidates. He expects to hear more about both nominations in the coming months.
