Hands on teaching works for Mr. Anderson
Posted 6/5/03

³You have to let some things slide,² science teacher Keith Anderson said of his seventh and eighth grade students.

But while he may let some things slide, Anderson is quick to inform you that he doesnıt let the students get away with too much.

³You have to put the hammer down when itıs necessary,² he adds.

Now in his third year at Milaca Public Schools, the easy-going teacher says he enjoys seventh and eighth grade students because he can relate to them.

³The kids are the best part,² Anderson says of teaching. ³Hearing their stories, helping them through this time in their life - just talking with them.²

About Anderson

Born and raised in Cromwell, Minn. near McGregor, Anderson was the middle child of five.

He graduated from Cromwell High School in 1995, attended Itasca Community College for two years and then graduated from Bemidji State in 2000 with a bachelor of science degree in science education.

He student taught at Bemidji Middle School while in college and that, he says, is what solidified his decision to become a teacher.

He was also inspired by a former science teacher of his own. Oscar Elliason taught seventh through 12th grade science in Cromwell.

³After doing what I do, for him to keep it interesting...I thought that was quite an accomplishment on his part,² Anderson said of his role model.

Andersonıs first teaching job is the current position he has at Milaca Public Schools. And though he thought he would only be here a couple of years, Anderson doesnıt plan on leaving any time soon.

Anderson said he really likes the Milaca area and since his wife Michelle, a Title I teacher, also works at the school, he has even more reason to stay in the district.

Anderson also cites the support from fellow teachers. Though he still doesnıt have his own classroom (he shares space with Randy Furman, John Shipman and Randy Johnson), he appreciates the help from his fellow teachers in curriculum and prep work.

³The first year was extremely nice. They held my hand through it,² Anderson admitted.

His office is located between two classrooms, which he doesnıt seem to mind. And he says with a laugh, ³I donıt know what itıs like to have my own classroom, but Iıve got to assume itıs easier.²

Teaching style

The science teacher didnıt always know he was going to teach science. Originally, he was heading toward physical education but through somewhat of an elimination process, Anderson discovered teaching science was where he wanted to be.

When he was in school, Anderson said he learned best in a ³hands on² environment, so thatıs how heıs modeled his teaching.

Needless to say, his students participate in numerous labs, such as identifying different types of animal skulls and creating solar boxes.

³Itıs easier to keep them focused,² Anderson says.

And the students seem to enjoy the labs, especially when they get to go outside to test out their creations.

As the eighth graders head out to the ball field with their solar boxes, he makes sure those who didnıt complete the assignment still participate in the activity.

³Those of you who donıt have boxes, bring your textbooks,² he informs them.

The goal of the project was to see how much the temperature would rise inside the solar boxes, which have been made from cardboard, plexiglass, tinfoil and even Tupperware.

Anderson gets some friendly competition going between the students. They can look at each othersı boxes, but theyıre told to keep the temperature increases to themselves until the students return to the classroom.

³If you see something you want to change, make a note of it,² he tells the students.

Back inside he offers some heat increasing suggestions, ³I have some black markers here - hint, hint.²

His calm personality is just what the excited teenagers need.

³I let the kids create their own situations and solve their own problems,² Anderson says. But heıs also there for them when they need it.

³Iım someone who cares and is interested in their life. Iım willing to listen and help if they need it,² he said.

He reminds his seventh grade students to check the board for any work theyıre missing and encourages them to complete it before the year-end deadline.

³Some of you may need to kick it in gear,² Anderson tells them.

Free time

Besides teaching science, Anderson also coaches seventh grade football, seventh and eighth grade wrestling and JV baseball. He played both baseball and football in high school and college.

Anderson frequently makes his way back up to Cromwell, where his parents still live, to enjoy his hobbies - hunting and fishing.

Since those are his two passions, itıs no wonder that his favorite magazines are ³In Fisherman² and ³Minnesota Outdoors.²

His favorite movie? ³ A Time to Kill,² which he enjoys with any type of Mexican food.

His sense of humor enhances his ability to relate to the wide range of pre-teen and teen students in his classroom.

³Every dayıs different, I can tell you that,² Anderson says with a chuckle.

But itıs his fellow teachers, several of whom pop in his office throughout day, that have helped Anderson in his first few years teaching.

³The teachers are great,² Anderson said. ³One of my favorite things about my job is the other teachers. They are good at what they do and make it fun for all of us.²