KRISTI LAW: HERO IN THE CLASSROOM

          Two years in the making, Katrina Fried’s American Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom (Welcome Books, 2013), published in October, portrays a selection of the “most passionate, innovative, and decorated teachers” in the nation.  The collection of 50 “extraordinary educators” includes one exemplar from the state of Michigan—Kristi (Darkowski) Law, ’98, MA ’01, who teaches a gifted and talented magnet program at Roosevelt Elementary, Keego Harbor, a part of West Bloomfield Public Schools.  “I was overwhelmed,” says Law, who lives in Waterford, about her inclusion in the book.  “I see so many great teachers every day, and I’ve mentored many great teachers, I also feel a little embarrassed.  Every teacher is a hero.”  Nonetheless, the book touts the energy Kristi brings to her classes.  “I’ll get up on the table and dance,” says Kristi.  “We dance every day.  My classes are exciting, happy, unique.  My goal is for learning to take place and for no one to be bored.”  A native of Plymouth-Canton, Kristi grew up in Northville and, after her older brother graduated from MSU, only applied to MSU.  In her sophomore year, she did some self-assessment and decided to change her major from engineering to education.  “The experience was unmatched,” she says.  “I have no doubt that it helped shaped who I’ve become.  When I was a sophomore, they already had me in a classroom—learning, observing, gaining a better understanding of the classroom experience.”  She says her favorite class was one on interpersonal communication.  “The course was taught by a husband and wife team,” she recalls.  “On the first day of class, they jumped up on a desk and kissed passionately.  I loved their level of enthusiasm and presentation and have tried to apply it to how I teach.” 

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