2007 Missouri Instructional Technology Conference

Even though it was arranged before being named the Missouri Teacher of the Year, I thought I would include my participation at the 2007 MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.

On Sunday night I gave a workshop on creating podcasts. I enjoy giving preconference workshops because it was 2 hours of hands on practice. Monday morning I gave the keynote address to start the conference and spoke about using Web 2.0 in the classroom. It was great to share some ideas with a large audience and the feedback was extremely positive for the rest of the conference. Later on Monday I gave breakout sessions on podcasting and the Guerrilla Season book blog project. I would have loved to stay for the sessions on Tuesday but I needed to return to my classroom and since my wife and I are expecting the birth of our second child soon it was important to be closer to home.

2007 Missouri Humanities Council Governor Award

My mom, Pat Langhorst, and I outside of the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. (Photo by Brad Armstrong)

2007 Governor's Humanities Award Winners at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City

Today I was honored to receive the Governor's Humanities Award from the Missouri Humanities Council. I was nominated by several individuals from Liberty for my work with the local historical museum and organizations. The event was held at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City.

I was especially happy to have my mom, Pat Langhorst, in attendance as she drove down from Nebraska at attend. Also attending were my principals - Dr. Brad Armstrong and Dr. Julie Gawerecki. Other friends making the trip were Mr. and Mrs. John Ricker and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Berkley.

It was an enjoyable evening and a great opportunity to met and learn about some great projects taking place across the state in the field of history and the humanities. Special thanks also to Michael Bouman and Beth Felice. Learn more about the Missouri Humanities Council and check out their blog.

Accepting the Governor's Humanitarian Award

Dr. Julie Gawerecki - South Valley Jr. High Assistant Principal, Eric Langhorst, Dr. Brad Armstrong - Principal South Valley Jr. High School



Accepting the Governor's Humanitarian Award

City of Liberty Proclamation - "Eric Langhorst Day" October 9, 2007

2007/2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year Eric Langhorst and Liberty Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp at the October 8th Liberty City Council Meeting. Photo courtesy of Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coorindator for City of Liberty.

This week I was honored at the Liberty City Council meeting with an official proclamation. Liberty Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp declared October 9, 2007 to be "Eric Langhorst Day" in the city of Liberty. Talk about feeling like a celebrity!

Thanks to the Liberty City Council and all of their work on helping to create a community that strongly values the role of schools and education in planning for the future.

Blue Bell Ice Cream Day at South Valley Jr. High

South Valley Jr. High students enjoying Blue Bell ice cream on October 5th at lunch.

On Friday, October 5th - we had a special treat at school as Blue Bell Ice Cream provided all of the students and staff at South Valley Junior High with ice cream in honor of the Teacher of the Year recognition. Blue Bell representatives on hand included Lisa Chism, Glenn Silvis and Lauren Anderson.

During lunch each student was given a cup of Blue Bell ice cream and they also were gracious enough to provide me with a gallon of my favorite Blue Bell ice cream - Rocky Road. My wife and I are huge ice cream fans - we actually first met when I asked her out for come ice cream while taking a graduate class - so it was a big hit with my family.

Lauren Anderson and Glenn Silvis of Blue Bell help Eric Langhorst hand out ice cream to South Valley Jr. High students at lunch on October 5.

Thanks to Blue Bell Ice Cream for taking the time and effort to support the Missouri Teacher of the Year program. It is great appreciated and provided the school with a treat to celebrate the end of another great week here at SVJH.