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Cantonment Man Named To People Magazine Teachers Of The Year List
October 17, 2013
A Cantonment man has been named one of People magazine’s 2013 Teachers of the Year.
John Herber is a teacher at Oakcrest Elementary School and is featured in the October 28 issue of People, which will be available for purchase on Friday. The People Teacher of the Year Awards honor extraordinary educators who are changing the lives of their students and paving the way for a new generation of American leaders.
Herber and the other honorees will receive $4,000 for their school and $1,000 for themselves.
“We all remember those special teachers who changed our lives, who helped us achieve, who set us on a path to becoming successful adults,” said Larry Hackett, editor of People. “The winners of our 2013 contest are doing just that for their students, each in a different way.”
Before Herber started teaching at Oakcrest Elementary School seven years ago, only 16 percent of the school’s fifth graders were considered proficient in science. Last year, 59 percent passed the test, more than the state or district average.
Herber has formed school-community partnerships to help enrich his classes, bringing in experts.
“We have learned about honey production and honeybee lifecycles from a beekeeper, the principles of flight and airflow from a pilot, and melting and saturation points from candle and soap makers,” he says.
Off duty, he volunteers as a football and basketball coach so that kids who don’t qualify for varsity teams have the chance to play. His blue 2008 Subaru often serves as the “team bus”.
His goal, says Herber, “is to ensure my students do not know they are disadvantaged.”
Herber’s wife Sammi is also involved in Escambia County education. She has worked as a speech pathologist for about 13 years, primarily in North Escambia schools.
Pictured: Cantonment resident John Herber hard at work at Oakcrest Elementary School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
9 Responses to “Cantonment Man Named To People Magazine Teachers Of The Year List”
Packer John congratulations all Packer fans are proud of you. Go Packers
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I remember when my young daughter was told she would have a “man” teacher for her 2nd grade year…she was terrified. We went to meet him, and they both fell in love with each other. She needed a father figure in her life (her dad was at home with us, but worked shiftwork)….he became such a good friend to all of us and still asks about her today….she’s almost 30!
Congratulations Mr. Herber!! I know how important teachers are to the lives of “their children”. His wife Sammi is also a wonderful speech teacher who made learning fun (molino elementary and barrineau park elementry)!! I wouldn’t be surprised if she were to be honored as well, she is definitely deserving in my eyes. Not only did she help my son with his speech impediment but she truly cared about him and kept in contact with him for many years!!
Teachers deserve respect and more pay and recognition for their caring spirit!! They truly make a difference in the lives of our children.
John, I am soooooo proud of you! It is wonderful to see someone truly deserving get the recognition they deserve! You always were a natural! Remember when….
John, this is sooooo awesome!! I feel quite privileged to have been inspired by you and your method of teaching science. Our entire 5th grade is trying to follow in your footsteps!!! Thank you so much for all you do!!
Congratulations, John Huber – I knew you would become a GREAT teacheer many years ago, when we were working together at Lincoln Park….Congratulations again and keep up the good work…..
I bet he loves his job and his students. What an asset for the school. Where can we get more like him?
How wonderful to see a person going above and beyond. That’s called loving your job! Awesome teacher! We need more like him..
A Big Congratulations! What an honor. So nice that he teaches here.