Baltimore Educator Wins Teacher Of The Year For 2015

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Baltimore City teacher earned the highest honor for educators in the state.

Amy Yensi has more on why Ryan Kaiser was named Teacher of the Year.

He's from Omaha but came to Baltimore because of its rich history. He's been using the city as his classroom---and it's working.

Wednesday's lesson is on the American Revolution. Instead of lecturing, Kaiser's eighth graders presented their notes.

"Mr. Kaiser has shown me that social studies has a lot to do with our freedoms," said student Demetrius Page.

"We do extra stuff, like analyzing. He teaches us stuff to prep us for high school," said student Jayla Pittman.

The Baltimore City social studies teacher has now been named Maryland Teacher of the Year, beating 25 of the state's best educators.

"I appreciate the award and everything and the parents that nominated me but I enjoy every single day here," Kaiser said.

He has been teaching for 16 years, three at the Mount Washington School.

"Ir reminds me of my childhood and how much I loved going to school," he said.

Kaiser runs the school's debate team, a summer program, the city's middle school honors curriculum and takes students on 30 field trips a year.

Along with their appreciation, Kaiser gets a trophy, cash and a new car. And he's not the only one being rewarded for his hard work. The school was given a $10,000 check. He plans to use it for scholarships and more field trips.

"He's one of those teachers where, if you don't understand it, he's going to be right there to help you understand it through the whole way," said student Sydney Thompson.

Kaiser will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year award. The White House is holding a ceremony next April, where he'll be honored.

Kaiser is only the second city teacher to earn the recognition in the past 25 years. The last time a Baltimore City teacher won best in the state was in 2002.