Most people can remember a few teachers that they were fond of from their school years, certain individuals who rose above the rest in terms of personality traits or skill as an educator. In my own experience, I can name a few excellent teachers just like everyone else. But one gets a category of his own. In 8th grade, I had the privilege of being in the social studies class of Mr. Robert Lingenfelter, better known as Mr. L. Mr. L is undoubtedly the best teacher I have ever encountered. Beyond the typical “great teacher” traits, Mr. L had a special quality that is extremely difficult to describe in accurate terms. I could write a book bigger than a battleship full of every reason Mr. L should win EoY, but that is both impractical and time-consuming, so I will instead give you the most significant:

kinds of trinkets, like civil war cannonballs, mini-statues of famous people, commemorative cups and paperweights, and cutouts of Obama and Biden. He even had a judge stand and jury box he had built himself. In short, I was impressed. As I got to know Mr. L as the year went on, my first impressions were confirmed. Mr. L NEVER gave us textbook work. Instead, we learned about things like the early colonial period and the Boston Massacre through first-hand accounts, movies, and simulations. Whether I was managing a colony in the 1700s, acting as a judge in the Salem witch trials, or watching the state of the union address, he always had something new, unique, or original for us to do in place of a worksheet.

Unlike a lot of teachers, Mr. L genuinely cares for his students, and will without hesitation go out of his way to help. Unafraid to share stories of his former life on the streets and the issues he had to overcome, Mr. L gave us practical advice stemming from his own experience. Even in situations involving trouble outside of school, Mr. L is always there for his students. He has been a teacher for 15 years, and loves his job with a passion. Always positive, constructive, and helpful, Mr. L is a worthy role model for anyone, young or old. Kind, funny, and prone to random side-splitting one liners, (“you’s a sick individual!”) he once put on a robe and powdered wig for the Boston Massacre sim. I never had a bad day in his class, and I think I speak for most of his former students when I say that.

Towards the end of the year, Mr. L took us on a field trip to Washington DC. A personal friend of Tom Carper, he somehow got us into the subterranean passageways and tunnels below the city, usually reserved for Congressmen and High ranking officials. We toured the Capitol Building, including the senate floor, walked solemnly along the Memorials to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and ate lunch on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Stopping at Arlington National Cemetery, we viewed the monuments to the Kennedy Brothers, General John Pershing, George S. Patton, and Chester Nimitz, and watched the famed changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was Mr. L. at his finest; creative, brilliant, and completely original.

Mr. L has a saying that just may be the truest thing I’ve ever heard: “there’s always room on the mountaintop…” at the end of every year, Mr. L awards one or two students who he thinks have earned it the mountain top award, trophy and all. When I received that award, it was the most touching thing anyone has ever done for me…. Mr. L, You got me to the mountain top, Educator of the Year is the least you should get in return.