Lorin Curtis named Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year

(From Joplin Schools)

Congratulations to Lorin Curtis - Joplin Schools 2019 Teacher of the Year recipient! After tricking him with calling one student at a time from his class, he eventually made his way down to a host of students and faculty to surprise him with this honor. Lorin's family was also able to join in on the celebration.

Mr. Curtis has been part of Joplin Schools for nine years, serving as our construction technology teacher. His peers have recognized his dedication and passion for helping students and shared a few of the following comments:

"Mr. Curtis is a true American hero, both in and out of the classroom. He served his country for almost 30 years and now serves our students, teaching them the construction trade and other important life skills."

"He takes students from all walks of life and treats them like his own children. His kids learn respect. They learn dedication. They learn discipline. They learn work ethic. They learn effective collaboration. They learn to trust one another. And most importantly, they learn life-long job skills."

"Mr. Curtis practices his teaching outside the classroom as well. He takes his students on a variety of volunteer projects. Most recently, his students will assist local builders in renovating a mansion downtown, where they are turning it into a museum. He's also the mastermind behind the Christmas of Hope, where local foster children receive gifts for the donation efforts of this project. Mr. Curtis even took his students to help shop for those gifts. He shows how one man's passion for helping others could ignite a major community service project. He's more than a teacher, he's a true American hero."

Thank you, Mr. Curtis, for not only serving our country but our students and community of Joplin. You have connected and supported many of our students who found potential in themselves they may have not realized before your class. Congratulations Mr. Curtis on this honor!