IPS Teacher Of The Year Educates Students On World Issues

INDIANAPOLIS - When Micah Nelson was recognized as Indianapolis Public Schools' Teacher of the Year Friday, she was playing a different role: coach of "Team Hot Sauce."

Nelson – who teaches middle-school social studies at the Center for Inquiry School 2 – got a surprise recognition by school administrators, students and her family at the school’s annual field day.

“I turned around and saw them walking up with flowers, and I was like, ‘Oh great, here I am in my field day clothes. I wish I was wearing a suit,'" she said.

Nelson, who has been teaching at IPS 13 years, said she never thought she'd get into teaching – until 9/11.

“After 9/11, I realized there was a really big gap in learning for students about global issues and world events, and I thought – I can teach that. I can do that,” she said.

The school’s principal, Andrea Hunley, said Nelson received the award, in part, because she tackles big issues with her sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

“She sparks her kids to think deeply and to also realize that they can take action to make a difference in the world," Hunley said. "That’s powerful.”

One of Nelson’s graduating eighth graders, Georgi Stern, said she admires Nelson because she treats her students like her own children and expects them to grow.

“She’s one of the only teachers I’ve ever had that pushes me to be better than I was the day before, the minute before," Stern said. "She’s always pushing us to be better.”