Kaiserslautern recognizes DOD Teacher of the Year

Story and photo by Senior Airman Caitlin O


Brig. Gen. C.K. Hyde, 86th Airlift Wing commander, announced Michael Brust as the Kaiserslautern District Teacher of the Year on behalf of the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The annual Teacher of the Year program highlights the substantial role that Department of Defense teachers play in students’ lives and the contributions they make to military families.

“It’s teachers like you who help make productive, innovative, creative thinkers,” Hyde said.

This award brings new responsibilities. Brust has been asked to consult with the district and share his sound teaching practices with his colleagues.

“It’s an extreme surprise and honor to be recognized as Teacher of the Year,” Brust said.

Brust began teaching in 2000 and has taught almost every course in the math sequence of middle school and high school, including math 7 and 8, algebra 1 and 2, math analysis, and advanced placement calculus and statistics.

He has also collaborated with colleges while teaching here and developed a program to ensure students have learning skills essential for success.

Brust was one of seven nominees who made it to the district level rating panel and was one of 600 teachers eligible for nomination of this award.

He will continue on and compete at the next level, DODEA Teacher of the Year.