Brooklyn Park, Minn., May 6, 2007
– Michael Smart’s students know they have a teacher who not only challenges them academically, but also a teacher who will listen to and connect with each and every one of them. This may be why 20 of his students have received scholarships to study in Japan and why enrollment in Japanese studies at Armstrong High School has tripled.
Smart, who teaches Japanese through Intermediate District 287, says his strongest belief about effective teaching is that it takes the emphasis away from the teacher and places it onto the student. His unwavering focus on his students is one reason Smart was named 2007 Minnesota Teacher of the Year May 6.
"When I first started teaching, I wanted to become a great teacher,” Smart said. “However, classes went much better when I stopped focusing on becoming the best teacher I could be and started focusing on helping my students become the best students they could be. It is no longer sufficient for teachers to teach mastery of a subject; we must go beyond and teach students the skills that will enable them to teach themselves.”
Smart believes teachers must build citizens capable of thriving in the new information age. He uses technology in many forms in his classroom to increase the depth of student involvement and their technological skills. Whether teaching through interactive cable television, online, or face-to-face, Smart’s students recognize his unique ability to draw them into the classroom.
“Mr. Smart’s connection with us kept us interested in learning a difficult language, and it helped us feel like we belonged,” said former student Joe Sem. “But his effect on us was not limited to the classroom. Mr. Smart helped me get involved with a student exchange program to Japan, which has altered the course of my life. Now I am enrolled as a full-time student in Japan and am planning on living and teaching English here after I graduate.”
Smart, who lives in Golden Valley, has taught in Intermediate District 287 since 1991, teaching classes in Cooper, Osseo, Park Center, Armstrong and Maple Grove High Schools. He also serves as a technology integration specialist for the district. Prior to this, Smart taught at the ECC Foreign Language Institute in Japan for three years. In addition to teaching, Smart is a curriculum developer for Northern Star Online and an author of Japanese textbooks.
In their nomination letter, Dr. Jane Holmberg, executive director of teaching and learning, and Dr. Johnathan Voss, supervisor of academic programs at Intermediate District 287, wrote, “Mike Smart is clearly that one-of-a-kind teacher the award is intended to recognize. We know of no other teacher who has consistently dedicated such a high degree of energy to helping both students and teachers. As Mike continues to make clear, compassionate, smart choices that challenge his students and colleagues, we are closer to achieving a vision of highly proficient teachers and students who are fearless learners.”
Smart will serve as a spokesperson for teachers and teaching in Minnesota, and will be Minnesota’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year for 2008.
About the Minnesota Teacher of the Year program
The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program is the oldest and most prestigious teacher recognition program in the state. This is the 43rd year of the program. Minnesota has produced four National Teachers of the Year, more than any state except California.
Smart was selected from a group of 11 finalists. The original field of candidates this year was 130.
Education Minnesota organizes and underwrites the Minnesota Teacher of the Year program with support from Education Minnesota ESI, the Harvard Club of Minnesota, McDonald’s Restaurants of Minnesota, the Northland Inn and Conference Center, Pearson Education, the SMARTer Kids Foundation, Teacher Federal Credit Union and United Educators Credit Union.