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Clark teacher named American Star of Teaching in surprise ceremony

August 30, 2007

Contact: Communications Department
Phone: (907) 742-4153
Fax: (907) 742-4175
Web: www.asdk12.org

Clark Middle School language arts teacher Art LaRue was presented today with the 2007 American Star of Teaching award by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. The special recognition was a surprise to Art who did not know he was a candidate for the award.

Art spent the past three years at Clark and is currently teaching at Begich Middle School while Clark is under construction. Before coming to the Anchorage School District, Art was an instructor for 25 years in the U.S. Army.

“It’s his passion that inspires great learning in students and is what really makes him exemplary,” said Clark Principal Cessilye Williams.

Art is credited with helping raise student test scores and encouraging parents to play an active role in their child’s education. He says his students succeed because he does not “teach to the test.” While he is proud that every one of the 27 students in his class last year met or exceeded the Adequate Yearly Progress targets for language arts, he says AYP is a minimum goal and encourages his students to get more out of their education.

“Just like Art LaRue, No Child Left Behind expects results for every child. So we must support teachers who get the job done in America’s most challenging classrooms,” said Spellings.

The American Star of Teaching award is presented by the U.S Department of Education to one teacher in each state and the District of Columbia. Award criteria are based on a teacher’s success in improving academic performance and making a difference in students’ lives. The winners are chosen from more than 4,000 nominations each year.

Superintendent Comeau and Secretary Spellings congratulate Art LaRue on being named the 2007 American Star of Teaching in Alaska.

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