An Emporia State University graduate is now a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
Joshua Anderson, a language arts teacher at Olathe Northwest High School, was named the 2007 Kansas Teacher of the Year in November. He graduated from ESU in 1997 with a degree in speech communications and English.
Anderson is the fourth Kansas Teacher of the Year in six years to become a finalist for the national award. There are four finalists this year.
“This honor puts the spotlight on the source of my nomination — the accomplishments of my students which tells a story of dedication and a passion for learning, and the Olathe school district which has provided me with so many opportunities,” Anderson said in a press release from ESU.
Anderson joined Olathe Northwest when the school was opened in 2003 and started the debate and forensics program there. Today, his teams are ranked first in the state and second in the nation.
“Josh’s work ethic and capacity to challenge colleagues to better themselves have been a major factor in the development of the culture of success that exists at Olathe Northwest High School,” his principal, Gwen Potts, said in a nomination letter.
The other finalists are Justin Minkel of Arkansas, Tamra Tiong of New Mexico and Andrea Peterson of Washington state. The award will be presented the week of April 23.
The award is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers.