National Teacher of the Year

Lisbet Loiselle, from Rio Rancho, NM,  has been awarded the title of "National Teacher of the Year." Her work in Mountain Prep Charter School in Albuquerque helped her get to where she is, and the following is a brief excerpt of the interview I had with her, while at her home in Rio Ranch, NM.

Reporter - So, this is a pretty big award, and thus undertaking for you, isn't it? How excited are you, and what are you going to do next?

LL - Yes, I'm super excited, and actually shocked that I received this honor after only 5 years of teaching. Apparently people and students like what I'm doing. I'm off to speak across the country for the next year.

Reporter - Yes, your Principal, colleagues, and students are extremely enamored of you. What do you think helped you attain this award?

LL - Well, you are chosen from the pot of State Teachers of the Year, so I was already NM State Teacher of the Year. I sometimes feel like they pull us out of a hat to become National Teacher of the Year, but of course this is not so. I guess my strengths and creativity stood out. I tend to be very hands on, and I take my kids outside of the classroom a lot.

Reporter - So you don't like having them sit still all day. I heard that you hold a lot of outdoor class time...let them get fresh air. Why do you do this?

LL - Our society has become so enclosed...in our houses, in our offices, in malls...I am trying to spark creativity within our children. I don't want to say I helped breed a video game generation.

Reporter - Children these days do seem to spend more time indoors. Do you think it is inhibiting their learning?

LL - Well, I think that life is a lot different than it was years ago. When I grew up, I learned about science and then was able to take it outside and do actual experiments in the woods. Many teachers keep their kids away from hands-on experiences now. I bring my children out to the ponds nearby, the river, the fields, the mountains...anything that can help with the learning process.

Reporter - I'm sure this helps you become one of their favorite teachers. To skip to another aspect of your work, your school Principal says you hold before and after school tutoring sessions for kids who need more help. How do you find the time for this?

LL - I just make it happen. A lot of these kids don't get the help they need at home, and I don't want them to lag behind purely based on home-life circumstances. These children are bright, but bring in unfinished homework. I want to help them stay up to speed with other classmates.

Reporter - You're a go-getter. What keeps you going every day?

LL - Well. Not every day is perfect, as in any job! But, the kids keep me going; I like seeing their faces in the morning and the fact that they are happy to see me! Most of the time they love being in class, and they do a good job of lightening my mood if I am having a bad day. It's tiring work at times, but the rewards keep you going on a daily basis.


The interview above is only a part of the story. I spoke with many parents and students, as well as the Principal and colleagues. As one parent said, "My son, Caleb, has really made strides since entering Mrs. L's 5th grad class. He struggled in reading for years, and once he entered the 5th grade, he blossomed. I think the extra time that Mrs. L puts in makes a difference."

"Lisbet shows that she really has a heart for these children. She feels for them, gets to know them and their families, and shows overall compassion. You don't get that much these days," claimed the Principal of Mountain Prep Charter.

"She's there (at school) before other teachers many days, and almost always is the last to leave. She does a lot of creative work during those times. She takes a lot of time out of her own family life," pointed out a fellow 5th grade teacher at the school.

"Mrs. L was just great. She was kind of like our friend. I loved going to her class, and wish I could have her be our 6th grade teacher, too!" said Jenny Johnston, a cheery 5th grade alumni of Mrs. L's 5th grade class.

It looks like a busy year for Lisbet Loiselle as she embarks on her new journey. She will be flying to various states, as well as doing international speeches. She hopes to inspire new interest in the current state of America's educational system, and to let parents know how to better help their children. "These early years, the elementary school years, are vital to a child's future. The happier and more successful they are now, the better off they will be in years to come. These years help solidify a desire for continual learning," says Lisbet.