"Ten-sies! Who has the ten-sies?" science teacher Linda de Kort shouted across Flathead Lake, using the British term for "snack time" to call her students in from the rowboats spread across Yellow Bay.
De Kort's contagious energy earned her recognition as Montana's science teacher of the year Oct. 18 at the Montana Science Teacher's Association convention in Helena.
"I chose to teach for a selfish reason," said de Kort, an instructor since 1966. "I like to learn, and I get to learn all the time. It's fun to work with the young people."
De Kort seems to inspire all of her students with her outgoing style.
The reaction to her award from students was unanimous: she deserved it.
"I've had Mrs. de Kort for both biology and advanced biology," said senior Lesley Meeker. "She has always put a smile in my day and an idea in my brain."
"I've had Mrs. de Kort for all three years that I have gone to the high school," said senior Adam deYoung. "Because of her, I will always have high expectations in the future."
"I have one thing to say about advanced biology: macroinvertibrates rock my world," said senior Hilary Diede.
Although de Kort's award is strictly honorary and carries no monetary reward, she said, "The award is bestowed by fellow biology teachers. It comes from those who know what it takes. It feels good!"
"A teacher is nominated by a fellow teacher, a principal, a member of the community or a student," said Wayne Mangold, the regional head of the Montana Science Teachers Association. "Then applicants are reviewed by the board on the basis of classroom teaching, if they are active within the association and if they go out and bring ideas (about teaching) to the convention."
"With her beaming smile and contagious energy, Mrs. de Kort inspires all her students to reach for the future," said senior Alee Scarburry, adding:
"She is a beacon in our education, and a force that moves us all."