It's All about 'Connections' For Utica High Teacher of the Year

For 37-year-old social studies teacher Todd Koehn, it's all about making "connections" with students.

"Students marvel at how Mr. Koehn connects with their music, their interests, and their culture to teach the past, showing how relevant it is to their future," said Utica Principal Janet Jones in a nominating petition for Utica Community Schools Teacher of the Year.

Koehn was among three educators honored with the award Tuesday during a special breakfast at Stevenson High School.

"It's a very rewarding job. I can find satisfaction on a daily and hourly basis," Koehn told Patch.

That same passion has carried over to the students, according to Jones.

"He is a creatively brilliant and enthusiastic teacher. Todd creates websites for students use, maintains a professional website for economics teachers to obtain strategies and ideas to enhance instruction," she said.

Koehn also spearheaded the school's use of digital tools by incorporating cell phones and websites in the classroom that allow students to text answers to opinion polls on relevant issues. 

"He is effective in using media to teach complex concepts. Todd's instructional program requires students to take ownership of their own learning," said Utica social studies teacher Aaron Davis.

For Koehn, pursing a career in education was a no-brainer. Koehn's father was a teacher and his mother worked for the Birmingham Board of Education.

What wasn't planned out for Koehn, a Utica High graduate, was working side-by-side with the high school teacher who inspired him to pursue his career in education.

Koehn said laughing that he can't forget that Utica High School physics teacher Jim Konnie, who still teachers there, gave him the first B of his life.

"I really admired the relationship Konnie established with students. I saw how kids looked up to him and I wanted to be like that," said Koehn.

Koehn, who also is an assistant coach for the varsity football team, said the position gives him yet another way to connect with students.

"It's just another chance to be with students and help them through as a whole new set of challenges arise," he said.

From the rave student and colleague reviews, it seems Koehn has achieved his goal.