Whether they like it or not, Michael’s students are his for life. This dedication and loyalty have brought success to his students and to Kaiser. Michael Kaiser has taught elementary school students in the Floyd County Schools since 1971. A fervent love and dedication to his students is what drives Kaiser. He has visited funeral homes, hospitals, student homes, and jails in order to keep the promise he makes to his students on the first day of class: “I care about you as a person and I will do everything in my power to help you be a success now or ten years from now. You are my students for life whether you like it or not.” Michael Kaiser earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Indiana University-Southeast and completed post graduate hours at IU-Southeast, Purdue University, and the University of Southern Indiana.
Michael Kaiser
New Albany, IN | Years Taught: 1972-2012
Additional Recognition
- 2006 • Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship
- 1998 • National Presidential Science Awardee
- 1995 • Inducted into National Teachers Hall of Fame
- 1995 • Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce Achievement in Education
- 1994 • Indiana’s National Christa McAuliffe Fellow
- 1993 • Disney Salutes the American Teacher—top five elem. Teachers in US
- 1992 • Indiana Teacher of the Year
- 1992 • U.S. Space Academy for Outstanding Educators
- 1992 • Sagamore of the Wabash—Indiana’s highest civilian award
- 1992 • Burger King’s National Excellence in Education Award
- 1992 • WHAS-TV ExCEL Award in Education
- 1992 • Citizen’s Fidelity Excellence in Education Award
- 1992 • New Albany-Floyd County Teacher of the Year
- 1992 • Indiana University Southeast: • “Alumni Spotlight”
- 1990 • LEARNING Magazine & Oldsmobile “Professional Best Leadership Award”
- 1988 • Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship