DODEA's Teacher of the Year Celebrated During Trip to Washington

View Online DODEA's Teacher of the Year Celebrated During Trip to Washington May 9, 2024 | By Katie Lange When educator Kerrie Gill made her lesson plans for the 2023-2024 school year, she didn't know her efforts were going to earn her the Department of Defense Education Activity's 2024 Teacher of the Year title. It's an honor she accepted with grace and humility recently when she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with America's top educators, including the first lady.   Gill is a DODEA teacher at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Middle School in Mons, Belgium, which serves military-affiliated students and NATO partners. The sixth- through eighth-grade English and creative arts teacher recently spent a few days in the nation's capital to celebrate National Teacher of the Year events. The visit was capped off by attending the White House's first-ever state dinner for Teacher of the Year recipients — an event that was different than the standard state dinners shown in the news with heads of state and other dignitaries.   "The teachers were walking around the room, talking and laughing with one another, and cheering during speeches," Gill said. " server stated, 'The room is full of so much joy!'"  Gill is a self-described Army brat. Her mother was a teacher and her father was a soldier, so she grew up attending DODEA schools, mostly in the southeast U.S. "From an early age, I was taught the importance of hard work, resilience and adaptability," Gill said — traits that are needed in positive, effective teachers. "We adapt to the needs of our students, persevere through the difficult moments and put in the work to ensure each student is given the individualized supports they need." Prior to working in Belgium, Gill taught at Scott Intermediate School in Fort Knox, Kentucky, another DODEA school. There, she received accolades for her teaching and educational leadership while also being named one of the city's outstanding citizens.  The 13-year teaching veteran said that being a product of the DODEA system has helped her connect with her students and understand their unique challenges as military children.   "Being able to give back to the community I grew up in and share my love of learning with students today is a privilege," Gill said. "I look forward to working with other teacher leaders across DODEA to continue fostering a culture where all military-connected students feel celebrated, secure and supported." Spotlight: Taking Care of Our People She said she's constantly reflecting and adjusting how she teaches to give her students the best opportunities. A Week in D.C.  Gill visited the Pentagon on May 1 and got a chance to stand in front of the DOD press podium. She visited the new historical DODEA display, recorded a message to DODEA students and discussed potential future engagement opportunities with department leaders. The following day, Gill joined fellow Teacher of the Year colleagues from every state at the White House state dinner. Gill said it was an honor to be seen in such high regard.   "Teachers put in the hard work every day. They are change agents and dream makers. Educators deserve to be recognized on such a grand platform for making a true difference in the lives of their students," she said.  First Lady Jill Biden — an educator herself for more than 30 years — hosted the dinner.   "As I've traveled the country as your first lady, it's been my honor to meet so many incredible educators in classrooms and student centers and libraries, teachers who support our military kids as they start over in their newest school, because the average military kid changes schools between six and nine times before they graduate from high school," Biden said during the event.  The first lady said each of the event's honored guests have helped students find the light within themselves.  "Right now, someone out there is a better thinker because of you. Someone is standing a little taller because you helped her find the confidence she needed. Someone is working a little harder because you pushed him to try," Biden said.     Gill said the trip was full of learning, celebration, joy and advocacy.   "My experience in Washington, D.C., made clear that teachers deserve a seat at the table where discussion is being had and policy is being made surrounding education," she said once she returned to Belgium. "Teachers belong in these spaces, and I am thankful for the Council of Chief State School Officers and DODEA ensuring teacher voices are valued and empowered."  Gill's Teacher of the Year award put her in the pool of nominees for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. Unfortunately, she lost out to Missy Testerman, a fellow English teacher from rural Tennessee.   According to a White House press release, each honored teacher at the state dinner received a commemorative brass bell from Biden, a tradition she started in 2021 in honor of her grandmother, a fellow educator who inspired her to become a teacher. The teachers also received a personalized gold-painted apple and a handmade thank you note from their students, fellow teachers and school leadership.  As for Gill's students? Gill said they were both curious and excited about all the attention, but they were most excited about the White House visit, for which some of them wrote notes to President Joe Biden.

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