Tom Keating
Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Turning Point, Alternative School, Monticello, MN
Grades 9 through 12, All subjects

Staff and sponsors of the SMARTer Kids Foundation are sincerely saddened by the sudden passing of Tom Keating in January 2006. All of us who had the opportunity to meet Tom feel fortunate to have been touched by his caring and charismatic spirit. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Tom’s family, friends, students and community.

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is about creating caring environments and developing relationships with kids. The learning channels open if and when a student is connected to a school, a staff or a teacher. Most of the bullying and violence in our schools results from a disconnection between students and their environment-home, school, peers, community. As educators, we must look at how our schools are making connections with kids and constantly improve in the areas we find ourselves lacking.

My philosophy in action
Each day I begin by greeting, noticing, and shaking hands or high fiving each student at Turning Point. Then we get down to the business of academics.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Each day creates great moments in teaching for me, so I don't feel I've had my greatest accomplishment yet. There have been and continue to be many memorable moments. One particular moment was the tremendous outpouring of congratulations from former students I received when I was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Each of them I received included a personal note about a moment they remember when I made a difference in their life. It was and remains a very moving experience.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The most critical issue facing educators today is the issue of teacher morale, recruitment, and development.

Ways to resolve this issue
We need to provide for ongoing mentorship for new teachers through their first five years of teaching.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
I always tell new teachers that if they want to make an impact they first must make contact. Take time, make time, to develop relationships with your students. That simple act will change everything in your teaching experience. It will have a lasting impact on you and your students.

One lesson every student should learn
A lesson that every student should learn is that they are valuable and important. I want them to know that while I may not agree with some of their decisions I still value them as a person.

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