National Title Goes To Md. Teacher

"I was absolutely struck by how this teacher so skillfully met the needs of a very diverse group of children in a very quiet but organized way," she said. "It just struck me that this is what kindergarten should look like in every classroom across the United States."

Oliver, 29, said she chose to teach at Broad Acres, one of the most diverse campuses in Montgomery County, in part because she firmly believed that all students -- regardless of language ability or family background -- should be exposed to good teaching.

Carline Noziere said her son, Christopher, still talks about "Ms. Oliver," even though he is now a second-grader at Broad Acres. "He loves her," she said. "He says, "Mummy, we must remember to send Ms. Oliver a Christmas card.' "

Noziere said because she spoke mainly French to her son, he had some difficulty speaking English when he enrolled at Broad Acres. But after two months in Oliver's classroom, he had made great progress, she said.

Oliver said it was her day-care teacher who inspired her to pursue a career in education. She knew she wanted to work with younger children because she loved their energy and enthusiasm.

"They love to share," she said. "They are so eager to learn -- and then share with you what they've learned."

The honors and accolades have been wonderful, but Oliver said she does miss spending time in the classroom. She stopped teaching full time after her selection as Maryland State Teacher of the Year because there were so many conferences and events to attend, although she was able to spend some time working with small groups of children at the school. However, as the 2006 National Teacher of the Year, she'll work full time as "America's Teacher."

"She's an extremely charismatic person in a quiet, soft-spoken way," said Suzette Chagnon, principal at Broad Acres. "I look at Kim and I think there's no better person to represent teaching and the teaching profession."

Chagnon said Oliver made her classroom at Broad Acres a place where kids are active learners.

"They don't sit in desks while she talks," Chagnon said.

Added Jody Leleck, associate superintendent for curriculum and instructional programs and the former Broad Acres principal who hired Oliver: "In a building full of very amazing teachers, she just doesn't understand how amazing she is."