Gay teacher gets Disney distinction – Education – Walt Disney Co.’s annual American Teacher Awards goes to Randy Heite – Brief Article
When Randy Heite came out of the closet in 1994, he thought his job as a kindergarten teacher at Kingsley Elementary School in Evanston, Ill., would be in jeopardy. Instead, he was widely accepted by colleagues and parents, two of whom last year nominated him for the Walt Disney Co.’s annual American Teacher Awards.
Out of over 185,000 nominees, Heite was chosen to be one of 32 to receive an award–the only openly gay teacher among the honorees. One will be chosen as Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced during the week of September 1 on the syndicated TV talk show The Wayne Brady Show.
“I think I have proven that it doesn’t matter if you’re gay,” Heite said. “I was accepted in my community for who I am. Every year parents request me to teach their child.”
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