For Jon Anderson, trust is the foundation of learning. Now in his 16th year as a teacher at Eagle Rock, a nationally recognized tuition-free residential high school in Estes Park for students nationwide who commit to reengaging in their education, Anderson’s ability to connect with his students through the nontraditional nature of their curriculum has allowed him to make a substantial impact far beyond the classroom.
This month, Anderson’s dedication to building meaningful relationships with his students and his unique teaching style are being celebrated by Honored, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping great teachers in the classroom and inspiring a new generation of talent to pursue teaching.
Through his recognition, Anderson will receive a $5,000 grant in addition to a $1,000 DonorsChoose gift card, allowing him to pay it forward to another teacher.
Anderson also had his story immortalized in a profile article by Outside Senior Editor, Matt Skenazy. In the profile featured on Honored’s website, Skenazy tells of the immeasurable impact that Anderson made on the life of one former student, Vidal Carrillo:
“If I hadn’t gone to Eagle Rock and met Jon, I probably would have dropped out of high school,” said Carrillo, who now studies biology at Colorado State University and works as an Alpine hotshot during the summer. “I would be a completely different person.”
Carrillo’s story started in Los Angeles, where his father abandoned their family and his brother had been in and out of jail. In search for new beginnings, Carrillo’s mother found Eagle Rock School as an option for which he applied and enrolled, and where Carrillo met a teacher who would soon change his life.
Though intimidated at first, Carrillo could tell that Anderson was a man of character, someone he could look up to. The two developed a bond that helped Carrillo grow intellectually and personally.
“Not only did he help me in class, but he would be there for me outside of class if I was struggling with something in my personal life,” Carrillo said. “He was interested in my future.”
Anderson credits Eagle Rock with the opportunity to connect with his students in a unique way. Incoming students begin their personal development journey with a 24-day backpacking adventure through the Rocky Mountains. This nontraditional learning atmosphere is what Anderson had long been searching for.
“Eagle Rock’s structure allows me to focus on my students as individuals and get to know them on a deeper level,” said Anderson. “All of this means I get to build trust, and when we trust each other, all kinds of learning can happen.”
Read Anderson’s full story at http://www.honored.org/honoree/Jon-Anderson/.
Has a teacher changed your life? Honored wants to share your story and give your teacher some well-deserved recognition! To nominate a teacher, visit honored.org/nominate.
Eagle Rock, a nonprofit Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the American Honda Motor Company, is both a school for high school age students and a professional development center for educators. The school is a year-round, residential, and full-scholarship school that enrolls young people ages 15-17 from around the United States in an innovative learning program with national recognition.
The Professional Development Center works with educators from around the country who are interested in engaging in education renewal and reform. The Professional Development Center works with educators committed to making high school a more engaging experience for our country’s youth.
For more information visit www.eaglerockschool.org.
Honored is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to keeping great teachers in the classroom and inspiring a new generation of talent to pursue teaching. Each month, Honored shines a spotlight on a teacher who has changed the life of a single student.
For more information about Honored, visit honored.org.