What happens in Room 200? Acclaimed teacher to speak at College of Wooster commencement

Kurt Russell has spent his entire educational career teaching in one classroom — Room 200 — at Oberlin High School.

It has led the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, who will deliver the 2023 commencement address at the College of Wooster, to the White House.

The authentic lessons he teaches in Ohio have extended his reach to influencing educational policy on the national level with organizations such as the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

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The journey of people throughout history drew Russell, a 1994 graduate of the College of Wooster, to make it his major.

"When I was young, I really enjoyed stories," Russell said in a phone interview.

He particularly paid attention to those of his parents, Jerry and Retta Russell, who grew up in the Jim Crow South in Alabama.

Russell's love of biographies and stories in general were further impacted when his kindergarten teacher read a book about Martin Luther King Jr.

It had a special impact on Russell because his parents grew up in segregated schools. When his mother was in 10th grade, she marched with King in recognition of the significance of civil disobedience and civil rights.

"She shared that with me and my brothers," Russell said.

Award-winning teacher promotes diversity in education

Choosing to continue his education at the College of Wooster gave him the privilege of "meeting and greeting and holding deep conversations with people from all over the country and the world."

The interactions outside the classroom in the cafeteria and at the lunch table continued to mold him.

As an 18-year-old who grew up in the small town of Oberlin, meeting different types of people and learning about different cultures were critical to his own development and understanding.

After completing a major in history and minor in Black studies, Russell went on to earn a master's degree in curriculum and instruction at Ashland University.

Following a brief stint working at a video store, Russell secured a job at Oberlin High School.

What happens inside his classroom has gained critical acclaim, beginning with a parent's nomination for a distinction that led to a district award and ultimately to earning the title of 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year and then National Teacher of the Year.

Initially Russell didn't want to get involved in the application and interview process, but his wife, Donna, a 1996 College of Wooster graduate, told him he had the responsibility to participate out of respect for being nominated.

As it turned out, "It has been a very worthwhile experience," he said, offering him the opportunity to give keynote addresses at a variety of locations.

Among the ways he has used his voice is to promote "a more diverse faculty and staff, not only racial, but more women in STEM and more men (teaching) in primary years."

"That has been my focus," he said.

Throughout the challenges and the changes in the field of education over the years, "one thing keeps me hopeful," Russell said. "The beauty and brilliance of our students. It's the one thing that keeps me grounded all these years."

'We have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable'

Russell adheres to his educational values, believing in student-centered education and "humanizing all of my students."

Telling the truth is also essential, he said.

"One thing I love about history is that within the bounds of history and curriculum, we know the truth."

"We have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable," he continued. "I teach some topics some might consider taboo," such as covering the areas of LGBTQ, economic oppression and women's rights.

One of the courses he teaches — race, gender and oppression — he created himself.

"I am privileged to work in Oberlin," he said, calling it a progressive community where the topics he covers are welcomed. "I'm very privileged, and I recognize my privilege," knowing there are many who would love to teach what he does, but are fearful.

When he brings attention to injustices suffered by Black students and how to help them cope, he recognizes Black parents already teach it to their children.

His mission is to "speak about that to my white students in order for them to develop (understanding) and to become allies."

Conquering injustice for all is a step toward "moving the needle toward righteousness," Russell said.

One of Russell's most moving experiences has been gaining a seat in history.

He called his visit to Washington, D.C., when he received his national teaching award and met with President Joe Biden and Jill Biden in the Oval Office "surreal."

"You're right there looking at Abraham Lincoln … and sitting on the couch where diplomats and famous Americans have sat," Russell said.

Russell's commencement address will focus on civil discourse and what happens in Room 200.

"Making a difference comes from humanizing everyone," he said.

Russell will receive an honorary degree at the College of Wooster commencement at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in the Scot Center's Gault Recreation Center.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Top teacher Kurt Russell returns to Wooster for college commencement