Henry Sibley History Teacher Awarded Outstanding Educator Award, $10,000

Dr. Charles Skemp, a social studies teacher at , was named the recipient of a 2012 WEM Outstanding Educator Award for Teacher Achievement last Friday.

Skemp was surprised by the award—and the $10,000 prize—during the District 197's annual recognition of retirees last Friday.

Skemp teaches AP U.S. history, political science and world history at Sibley.  

“This is quite an honor,” said Skemp at the ceremony. “It means a lot to be recognized for the hard and rewarding work that we all do everyday.”

Six teachers in the state will be honored by the WEM Foundation and Synergy & Leadership Exchange. Only two teachers in the state receive the Teacher Achievement Award, which honors teachers who successfully support and inspire students to learn.

“Charles is a perfect example of a life-long learner who constantly works to remove academic roadblocks from his classroom,” said Sibley assistant principal Scott Karlen. “The kind and nurturing way in which he treats all of his students is obvious."

Skemp was nominated by Wendy Behrens, gifted and talented specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. His nomination was supported by letters from peers, as well as Sibley junior Molly Nemer, who recently won an award at the Minnesota History Day competition.

“Both inside and outside the classroom, Dr. Skemp encourages the love of history,” said Nemer. “Through his humor and enthusiasm about the subject, he has made engaging what might have been tedious.”

Last year,  a first grade teacher at Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School in Eagan was the winner of the 2011 Outstanding Educator Award for Teacher Achievement, along with the $10,000 cash prize.

 was recognized in 2003. Garlough science specialist Jennifer Parker received a regional award in 2009. Alex Messicci of received the organization’s Ethics in Education award in 2001.

Source: District 197