George Anderson, a social studies teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been  honored as Iowa’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

I always enjoy sharing stories about exceptional classroom teachers who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is George Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who has been honored as his state’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

George was born in Peoria, Illinois, but was raised just south of Myrtle Beach, in Murrells Inlet/Garden City, South Carolina. He graduated from Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach in 1994. After high school, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Infantry. In Fall, 1994, he completed boot camp in Paris Island, South Carolina.

Once he earned his discharge from the military in 1999, George relocated to Iowa to attend the University of Iowa in Iowa City. There he pursued a degree in history. He also completed the requirements for his Master’s degree in Social Science Education in 2006 from the same university.

Once he completed his education, George accepted a position at John F. Kennedy High School, where he still teaches today. “I decided I wanted to go back into the community, and find the students that maybe aren’t in love with high school or the idea of secondary education — or really just [have] no big trajectory in life — and try to help those students out,” he confessed. His career at JFK has spanned 13 years.

Within his district, George has a reputation for creating innovative and dynamic curriculum. “As a teacher, I like active rooms, students moving around and discussing the material with other students,” he expressed. “I like to see students engage with the material of history in a way that isn’t just fact recollection or sequencing events. I want student-centered dynamics in the classroom. I do not want to be the center of attention,” he continued.

In addition to his classroom responsibilities, George has served as a the Co-Department Chair for Social Studies, Head Coach for the freshmen and sophomore football teams, and the Assistant Varsity Coach. He also coached shot put and discus for his school’s track & field team, winning two state championships and numerous state and Drake appearances. George has sponsored the Green Club, Young Republicans, and the Video Game Club. He has also served as a building representative for his local teachers’ union.

Way to go, George! To learn more about him, see his biography at CCSSO.