Recognizing Mark Kohl

RECOGNIZING MARK KOHL -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 17, 2004)

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Kohl, a teacher at Lodi High School, who was recently named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Kohl is one of only four teachers to receive this honor. His success as a teacher comes from the trust and encouragement he gives his students. He allows his students to establish the standards and expectations that govern the classroom, and encourages them to take ownership of their learning. Education is put into action in Kohl's classroom where both teacher and students voice the characteristics of the kind of teacher and student they want to be, and together they pledge to be the very best. Activities such as these make Kohl and his students partners in the learning process.

Beyond the classroom, Kohl is the school district's forensics coach. For more than 20 years he has taken the time to teach and motivate students in the art of public speaking. In addition, he is an active participant in the community. He helped found the Lodi Stepping Stones Theater and volunteers with the Friends of the Arts group as well as the Lodi Challenger 4-H. Every year he assists in a weekend community reading of the local classic, "The Sand County Almanac."

Students, colleagues, and parents are fond of Kohl and his work both at school and in the community. His students attest to his caring nature and his ability to understand them and encourage them to reach their potential. Fellow Lodi High School colleagues admire his teaching style that allows him to connect with students and engage them both in the classroom and the world around them. Parents of Kohl's students are appreciative of his work to prepare their students for life beyond school and their place in the community.

Mark Kohl's success and impact as a teacher is reflected in each of the students he has inspired over his many years of teaching at Lodi High School. I join Kohl's family and friends, the Lodi community, and the Wisconsin Department of Education in congratulating him as Wisconsin Teacher of the Year.