MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- For the third consecutive year, a Matthew C. Perry ‘Samurai’ teacher has been named Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools – Japan teacher of the year.
This year the honor was bestowed upon Rodney Coryer, a sixth grade math and science teacher, in a ceremony at Club Iwakuni Oct. 22. Coryer was recognized in front of teachers from Iwakuni and Sasebo during a teacher in-service.
“He was selected out of over a 1,000 teachers,” said Bruce Derr, DODDS district superintendent. “He was recommended by a student from one of his classes.”
The student wrote a letter to the school principal who then forwarded the letter to the review board, according to Coryer. Coryer was later interviewed by the board via telephone, soon after he was notified that he had been selected for the award.
Coryer’s own interest in teaching has led him back to the classroom. Since graduating from college in 1977, Coryer has been passing on his knowledge. This is Coryer’s third year at Matthew C. Perry Elementary School.
“My love for learning is the reason for my becoming a teacher,” said Coryer, a Rattsburg, N.Y., native. “As I contemplated my career choices, my desire to learn and watching the learning process of my children had an effect on my decision.”
It’s easy for Coryer to point out what keeps him coming back to the class room year after year.
“Watching the growth of the students that occurs between September and June keeps me going,” he said. “I have high expectations of my students and they continue to reach it, as long as you don’t lower the expectations.”
His students have an easier time understanding all the course material and concepts taught, primary due to Coryer’s teaching methods.
“He plays Math Jeopardy with us,” said Ariel Fritz, sixth grade student. “It makes it easy to learn when you play a game.”