The Cupertino Courier

Education

District's 'Teacher of the Year' shares close bond with students

By ERIN HUSSEY

Even as a child, Kathleen Erikson knew she wanted to become a teacher.

"I came from a large family," she says. "I always had younger children in my family that I watched out for."

Recently, Erikson was named Dilworth Elementary School's Teacher of the Year. With close to 20 years of teaching experience, she has been selected several times for the honor. This is the first time Erikson, now a second-grade teacher, decided to accept.

"I have not always bought into the whole teacher of the year thing," Erikson says. "In my mind, if you chose to go into this profession, and you make it through your first five years and you haven't lost your family, your friends or your sanity and you've managed to maintain some financial stability and you intend to continue on, then you deserve teacher of the year."

After a unanimous vote by the Dilworth staff, Erikson was told she didn't really have a choice and would have to accept the award. Shortly after that, Erikson was also recognized as the Cupertino Union School District's Teacher of the Year.

"The district teacher of the year completely caught me off guard," she says.

The dual awards might have caught Erikson off guard, but not her colleagues.

"Kathleen is a huge part of the heart and soul of Dilworth," says Sheryl Wong, a third-grade teacher. During Wong's first year at Dilworth, she taught Erikson's son in kindergarten.

"The first year of teaching is nerve-wracking for anyone, but to also have the child of a colleague in your class really puts pressure on you," she remembers. "But Kathleen never made me feel like I wasn't doing a great job. Throughout the year she offered her help, her materials and even volunteered hours outside of school as my book order parent."

Second-grade teacher Emily Fosburgh was grateful to have Erikson as a mentor last year and adds that her passion for helping others is infectious.

"Her drive and passion to do right by her students and community is amazing," she says. "The most wonderful thing is even on her bad days, she has a smile on her face."

While Erikson does admit she has days when she questions her chosen profession, all she has to do is look at the various thank- you letters, drawings and cards from her past students.

"Whenever I feel like 'Do I want to continue on,' I read Kerianne's letter," she says. The letter, dated in 2000 and written in pencil, is slightly faded. It sits in a simple black frame directly above Erikson's desk.

"My favorite line is at the end: 'There is nothing that I didn't like, I like everything in school.' That's the line I read and think 'OK, it's well worth it to do this every day.' "

Erikson remains close with several of her former students. Two boys who recently graduated from Lynbrook High School still bring her roses every year on her birthday.

"The main reason I do this job is because of the kids," she says. "Even when they leave my room I usually still have contact with them. That's my favorite part, having that connection and watching their growth."