Another music educator has been named teacher of the year. This year it is Mark Teesdale, a general music and choral teacher. It is wonderful to see arts educators recognized by their peers for the great work they, and you, do every day.
DOVER — The future of the U.S. depends on arts education, according to Mark Teesdale, a general music and chorus teacher at Lake Forest Central Elementary School.
"The arts play an integral part in developing the total child," Teesdale said Tuesday night after being named Delaware's 2009 Teacher of the Year. "We must keep the arts a fundamental part of our children's education."
The 25-year classroom veteran, who teaches fourth and fifth grades at Lake Forest, received the award during a ceremony attended by more than 400 educators, state leaders and other guests at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.
As state winner, Teesdale will be Delaware's nominee for the national Teacher of the Year contest and will speak with community groups, business leaders, policy makers and educational organizations about Delaware schools.
Lake Forest Central Elementary School Principal Cathy Zimmerman said Teesdale has built the best music program in the state. "He works so well with children. He's able to mold them and give them their stage," she said.
Lake Forest Superintendent Dan Curry said for many students, arts is a gateway. "The arts opens another avenue for kids to express themselves," Curry said.
It is also nice to see administrators cheer the recognition with
Congratulations Mark!!!
Top teacher emphasizes the arts | delawareonline | The News Journal
