The 2023 Bluffton-Harrison MSD Educator of the Year, Jacob Amstutz, has been recognized at the state level.
Amstutz, a design and innovation teacher at Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School, was named the Indianapolis Indians and the Indiana Association of School Principals Elementary Teacher of the Year during a pre-game ceremony at the May 20 Indians’ game.
Amstutz said he wanted to attend the game; however, the date coincided with an event that held a higher priority in his heart.
“I received the email letting me know I was nominated, and I let them know that I was super honored for the recognition and thankful for what they’re doing for teachers,” Amstutz said. “However, my daughters had a dance recital that same night, and I had to choose that over this, no question.”
Amstutz said the IASP still wanted to recognize him at the game, though he did not expect to win any awards.
“Saturday night during the game, I received an email telling me that I won. I was like what? I won what? It turns out, there was another level to it, it wasn’t just recognition,” Amstutz said. “They then picked a winner from the teachers based on what their superintendents who nominated them wrote. I was at intermission at the dance and thought it was so awesome.”
According to Amstutz, BHMSD Superintendent Dr. Brad Yates nominated him for the honor.
“Mr. Amstutz creates a welcoming, trusting environment for students to feel connected to the content as well as the ever-evolving world of technology,” Dr. Yates said in a press release this week. “His students engage in foundational activities in the areas of science, math, engineering, and technology while adding an unrivaled amount of ‘cool factor’ as Mr. Amstutz has a unique ability to connect with students and draw them into the many technology activities in the classroom.”
Amstutz says, some things he looks forward to during the summer with his daughters are water balloons, squirt guns, and lots of arts and crafts.
“I’m stoked for it, but it’s bittersweet. Knowing the fourth graders won’t be returning, it can be hard to let them go,” Amstutz said. “It’s all a part of the ride, I’m so happy to be the one that gets to steer the ship.”