The high school teacher brings joy to students’ lives through her daily blog.
High school Calculus teacher Rebecka Peterson has been named ‘Teacher of the Year’ due to her inspiring blog highlighting the goodness in every day. Peterson shares the joy of teaching her students daily through her One Good Thing blog.
The daily blog highlights at least one good thing that happened in her class that day, and this positive outlook has proven to be inspiring for her students, many of which have been encouraged to follow her lead.
Best Teacher in Oklahoma − the Union High School teacher’s praise is well deserved
Peterson has been honoured as the top teacher in her state of Oklahoma and was also shortlisted in the top five finalists to be named the best in the nation, a title she has since won.
The acclaimed teacher has even been praised by First Lady Jill Biden, with a video commending Petersons’ work sharing “beautiful and positive experiences” in working with students.
Katherine Bishop, the President of the Oklahoma Education Association, said, “She is truly passionate about the power of teachers and what it means to be a leader for your students and the community.”
The National Teacher of the Year − a program to recognise teachers and the fantastic work that they do
The National Teacher of the Year program provides opportunities teachers may not otherwise receive in the classroom.
NEA President Becky Pringle says that Peterson has an “ability to tap into students’ joy and form authentic bonds and her dedication to making learning truly accessible embodies what it means to be an outstanding educator”.
Katherine Bishop said, “Since Rebecka was named the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, she has travelled all over the state to report on more stories of hope, creativity, and joy in classrooms”.
Student connection − her relationship with her students is unmatched
Peterson strives to make her classroom safe by listening and allowing her students to share their stories. She promotes an open dialogue through her One Good Thing blog.
In a conversation with ABC News, Rebekah said, “If I am a good storyteller, it’s because I’ve learned to be a good story listener and that has been the foundation of my teaching philosophy — just carving out time and space to listen to my students’ stories”.
Some students have been so inspired by their Calculus teacher’s message that they have started their own blogs.
One student is quoted on their blog, One Good Thing Student Edition, saying, “Never have I had a teacher so passionate and willing to help with their subject. After years of bad to mediocre math teachers, I finally had one that pushed me to success.
“Mrs. P has taught me so much. She has taught me how to learn after a pandemic. She has taught me a deeper understanding of myself, taught me a deeper appreciation for love, and she is one of the best people in our lives”.
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