Controlled Chaos: How One Award-Winning Teacher Connects With Students Before Teaching the Curriculum
Episode Notes
Eric Hall, an award-winning elementary school teacher from Northern Michigan, shares a touching story about a fishing trip he took in the dark of night with one of his students.
“That night,” he writes, “we didn't catch a single smelt, but we caught something better, a connection. And honestly, I'd wear that ridiculous headlamp again in a heartbeat, just maybe not next weekend."
“Jerky, Headlamps, and One Loyal Teacher” is a story that reminds us of the importance of building connections with students and being present for them, even in unconventional or unexpected situations.
In his conversation with host Ken Futernick, Mr. Hall says he encourages his students to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and not be afraid of failure. He says cultivating curiosity and a willingness to try new things is crucial for students to become engaged and successful learners.
Eric Hall and his students have been featured on different national outlets, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While the accolades are nice, Eric will tell you his greatest rewards come in the form of high-fives in the hallway, students who finally “get it,” and the joy of watching kids realize they are capable of more than they imagined.
Featured Guest:
Eric Hall is a dedicated, award-winning educator with over 23 years of teaching experience in the Cheboygan Area Schools district in Northern Michigan. Currently a fifth-grade teacher, Hall has also taught second, third, and fourth grades, as well as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) students going back to 2000.
Widely recognized for his commitment to students and the broader community, Hall is a two-time recipient of the 7&4 News UpNorth Classroom Salute—believed to be the first educator to receive the honor twice. He was named Educator of the Year by the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010, received the American Red Cross Education Award in 2005, and was voted Best Teacher by Cheboygan Daily Tribune readers in both 2017 and 2018.
His dedication has also earned national attention, including recognition on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for his acts of kindness, and inclusion in the 2019–2020 Who's Who Top Educators of America directory.
Hall is known not only for his innovative and student-centered teaching, but also for his generous spirit—often investing his own money in classroom supplies and inspiring students to give back to their community.
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School board recognizes teacher for UpNorth Classroom Salute