Top Teacher 2019: Benjamin Berkness at FAIR School

(FOX 9) - As the school year winds down, FOX 9 is once again honoring nine extraordinary educators.

This year’s first Top Teacher Award went to Benjamin Berkness, a kindergarten teacher at FAIR School at Pilgrim Lane in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Berkness is known to his students and colleagues as “Mr. B.”

His nominator says Berkness is very engaged with his students, going so far as to create his own books with drawings teaching them how to read and learn.

“My philosophy that gradually evolved from teaching was realizing that we can use actions to get the kids moving, and those actions could get them to recognize words,” he said.

In addition to the Top Teacher Award, Royal Credit Union is giving the school $1,000 for supplies for Berkness’ students. He will also get a subway sandwich party for 50 friends.