Base teacher recognized by Department of Education Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Carl Ben Eielson Elementary School teacher was recognized today for a Department of Education-level award during a surprise addition to a Monday morning assembly. Marcia Wahlstrand, who teaches third grade, is the North Dakota recipient of the American Stars of Teaching award. According to Grant Lebens, Department of Education deputy director of International Affairs, 5,000 teachers were nominated, but only 51 teachers received the honor, representing each state and the District of Columbia. "The kids just bring [good] things out of you, inspire you so much," Mrs. Wahlstrand said in response to why she won the award. "It's not hard [being a good teacher], it's everybody's support that allows me to do this." Nicole Beaubien, a former student of Mrs. Wahlstrand, nominated her for the award with help from her mother, Wendy Beaubien. "Mrs. Wahlstrand was an amazing teacher," Nicole said. "In class we are always singing, putting on plays and visiting [an assisted living home] downtown." The assisted living home visits were one aspect of Mrs. Wahlstrand's teaching techniques that set her apart from other teachers. The program began 26 years ago. Students visit the assisted living home once per month and are assigned a pen pal whom they write to regularly. Other notable teaching practices include a project with Altru Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, which has the students writing stories and poems illustrated with drawings for families and friends of patients to read. "Teachers like Marcia Wahlstrand combine a passion for teaching with high expectations that every child can learn," said Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education in a recent e-mail. As one student noted regarding Mrs. Wahlstrand's teaching practices, "Mrs. Wahlstrand assigns just enough homework to finish before dinner." Started in 2004, the American Stars of Teaching is part of the U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative, which includes regional and district workshops, roundtables for teachers and principals, regular e-mail updates and digital learning. By the end of summer, the teachers of more than one million students have benefited from these Teacher-to-Teacher activities.