For Immediate Release — June 2, 2010 |
DoDDS Okinawa District: | DSN: 634-1204
Ronald M. Geist
June 2, 2010 — Ms. Martha Brown is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Ronald M. Geist, Choral Music Director at Kubasaki High School, as the 2011 District Teacher of the Year. Selection was based on the district panel’s recommendation on several factors that included: letters of recommendation, teacher leadership skills, leadership roles assumed in the school, teaching practices based on DoDEA standards and his potential platform as a national spokesperson representing the teaching profession.
Mr. Geist has 30 years of teaching experience. He has 11 years experience with DoDEA working at Andersen Middle School in Guam, Zama American High School in mainland Japan, and currently in Okinawa at Kubasaki High School.
Prior to coming to DoDEA, Mr. Geist worked at various schools in Minnesota and Nevada serving as the vocal, instrumental and band instructor at two K-12 and two middle schools.
Mr. Geist received his Bachelor of Science from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota in 1980. He earned his Masters in Educational Technology in 2008 from Grand Canyon University.
Before starting his teaching career, Mr. Geist served his community in liturgical ministry. He served as cantor and music director at St. John’s DeBritto church from 1969-1975. In college, he was a member of the campus ministry Temple Band as a guitarist and vocalist from 1975-1978. He also became a certified volunteer fireman from 1987-1990.
“I believe the greatest contributions in education I bring forth are what I try to do each day in the classroom. I focus on being patient, understanding, and kind. I imagine I am the student, and try to understand what they are thinking to help them learn.” (Ron Geist)