Kareem Neal Earns National Teacher Hall Of Fame Honors
11/18/22
Achievements and Recognition
- Inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame
- Recognized for exemplary work with special needs students at Maryville High School
- Admired and respected by peers and community
- Awarded Teacher of the Year at his school
- Received national and statewide awards for his teaching
Inspiration to Become a Special Education Teacher
- Encountered Special Olympics athletes in college
- Inspired by their authenticity and zest for life
- Decided to pursue a career in special education
- Shifted from a chemical engineering major to teaching
- Felt a calling to make a difference in the lives of children
Impact on Students
- Taught special education to attentive students
- Students with special needs showed him genuine love and patience
- Inspired former students to become teachers themselves
- Served as a mentor and provided guidance to aspiring teachers
- Helped students find fulfillment in making the world a better place
Personal Growth as an Educator
- Surprised by the recognition and awards received
- Believes teaching special education is often overlooked
- Continuously seeks ways to improve personally and professionally
- Learnt to present his authentic self to connect with others
- Values the straight story and genuine emotions of his students
Passion for Changing Lives Through Education
- Takes pride in changing lives one student at a time
- Considers teaching a calling and his way of providing value to the world
- Has various interests but finds helping kids find their calling most captivating
- Believes in the importance of authenticity and connecting with others
- Dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives.