Being selected the 2007 Kentucky Teacher of the Year was an incredible experience. The opportunities that I was afforded gave me a broader, more informed view of my profession.

I met with legislators and policymakers at the National Forum of the Education Commission of the States and shaped relationships with educational corporations. I worked with colleagues and education leaders in meetings throughout the country including a week of events in Washington, D.C. All of the state teachers of the year and the national teacher of the year were greeted in the Oval Office by President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, and honored in a beautiful ceremony in the Rose Garden. I also spent a week at NASA Space Camp with educators from around the world.

I’m glad I applied for an Ashland Teacher Achievement Award. In fact, I was nominated! So I encourage readers, teachers, parents and administrators to nominate and encourage deserving teachers to apply.

Susanne M. Burkhardt