What looked like a typical all-school assembly at Reagan Elementary Wednesday was a surprise of a lifetime for 4th grade teacher Tom Whisinnand

What looked like a typical all-school assembly at Reagan Elementary Wednesday was a surprise of a lifetime for fourth grade teacher Tom Whisinnand.He was the national winner of the Sanford Teacher Award."There are so many teachers that do so many wonderful things for so many kids all over the country and to be singled out is really humbling and quite an honor," said Whisinnand, who has taught at Reagan Elementary for 15 years. "Mr. Whis" beat out 50 other finalists and is the first ever Sanford Teacher Award recipient. National University presented him with a $50,000 check."We have interviews with parents, it actually demonstrated how committed and compassionate he is in working with his students and very, very creative in thinking of ways to get those students engaged and excited about themselves and their own futures," said National University President David Andrews. The award is given to an inspiring teacher, which his students said he deserves."He's kind," said fourth grader Kevian Thompson."Out of all the teachers I've had he's definitely one of the best I think because he's really kind and he helps us out a lot," said fourth grader Casey Kephart. "I think knowing that these kids are our future really pushes me to be my best every day," Whisinnand said.

What looked like a typical all-school assembly at Reagan Elementary Wednesday was a surprise of a lifetime for fourth grade teacher Tom Whisinnand.

He was the national winner of the Sanford Teacher Award.


"There are so many teachers that do so many wonderful things for so many kids all over the country and to be singled out is really humbling and quite an honor," said Whisinnand, who has taught at Reagan Elementary for 15 years.

"Mr. Whis" beat out 50 other finalists and is the first ever Sanford Teacher Award recipient. National University presented him with a $50,000 check.

"We have interviews with parents, it actually demonstrated how committed and compassionate he is in working with his students and very, very creative in thinking of ways to get those students engaged and excited about themselves and their own futures," said National University President David Andrews.

The award is given to an inspiring teacher, which his students said he deserves.

"He's kind," said fourth grader Kevian Thompson.

"Out of all the teachers I've had he's definitely one of the best I think because he's really kind and he helps us out a lot," said fourth grader Casey Kephart.

"I think knowing that these kids are our future really pushes me to be my best every day," Whisinnand said.