Hanna Skandera, from the U.S. Department of Education, highlighted effective teaching practices and the No Child Left Behind Act during a visit to De Portola Middle School on Friday, September 19. In a surprise announcement, Ms. Skandera recognized De Portola teacher Mike Tussey as the 2008 California No Child Left Behind (NCLB) American Star of Teaching.

A teacher for 25 years, Tussey helped open De Portola Middle School over 20 years ago. For more than two decades, he has inspired students and his fellow teachers at De Portola with his creative and inspirational teaching style. A physical education and media teacher fondly nicknamed “dabomb.com” by students, Tussey encourages students to challenge both their bodies and their minds to be at their very best. Going beyond his own classroom, he works with fellow teachers to integrate creative media into their lessons plans. According to Principal Elizabeth Gillingham, Mike Tussey’s boundless energy, engaging ideas, supportive spirit and pure love of teaching have endeared him to students and the staff at De Portola.

Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored this fall as American Stars of Teaching. One teacher will be recognized in every state and the District of Columbia. A committee of former teachers at the U.S. Department of Education selected the American Stars from among 5,000 nominations based on their success in improving academic performance and making a difference in their students’ lives.