Congratulations to
National Teaching Award Nominee
Karen Ferdinandsen
Port Clinton Highschool, Port Clinton, Ohio
Student Nomination Story
At 8th grade graduation, the stress and anxiety of going to a new school started to set in. I was going to be in high school next year. I didn’t know any of the staff at the high school. I was very scared. After a summer of anticipation passed, the big day came. I was very anxious as I walked into the school. I pulled out my headphones and started to block out all the loud noises. I have Autism and Anxiety Disorder, so daily things can be hard for me. I always need a schedule. If I get off of my schedule, then I get very upset. Noises are too loud, lights are too bright, and people are constantly bumping in to me. I can’t stand being touched by skin. Long sleeves and certain food textures make me want to scream. I also have a lot of trouble with conversations. I never know what to say. But, something amazing happened in 9th period on my first day of High school. I met Mrs. Ferd! I walked into her room and she greeted me with a smile. I instantly felt a connection with her. From that day on we were inseparable. I have never been able to have good conversations with anyone, but it came natural with Mrs. Ferd. I stay after school everyday for close to an hour just talking with her. We both love cats and books and jokes. We get to exchange books and cat photos everyday! I can’t focus in the back of the room, so she lets me sit by her at the front of the room. This means we can talk more! She is my best friend. I don’t have a lot of friends my age. I usually don’t bond with people, but it was an instant connection with her. She got me a Valentine’s Day present with a sloth keychain and a bunch of candy. Sloths are my favorite animal, so I was ecstatic!! I can’t concentrate without moving my hands, so fidgets are my favorite thing in the world! I decided to make Mrs. Ferd a fidget kit and she loved it! I was so happy I could share my favorite thing with my friend. I don’t know what I would do if she wasn’t in my life. If I struggle with something, she will teach it to me a different way. She never gives up on me, even when it gets hard. She treats me like a regular kid, which means the world to me. Sometimes my peers think I am weird and treat me different. I am so glad she is my teacher. I have made so much progress in her class. I can now have conversations with people. Everyday when we talk after school, I improve. She helped me break out of my shell. She is my role model and inspires me everyday. She is the best teacher and friend I have ever had. She truly deserves this award. I am so glad I got to nominate her! She is truly so more than just a teacher, she is a friend!
Emily Holcomb
To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.