by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

Each year I help select the region’s best teachers in a program sponsored by the Phillies and the Philadelphia Inquirer.  From 1500 entries, the judges receive 27, and then narrow the list to ten.  It’s not easy!

I loved reading about and voting for Patricia Hansbury, a history teacher at Philadelphia’s Central High School, nominated by student Tess Liebersohn.
 
One technique Hansbury uses is writing the names of five US capitals on the board: Jefferson City, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; Lincoln, Nebraska; Madison, Wisconsin; and Washington, D.C.   She then tells students that all American capitals are named after presidents.
 
She later suggests that they not believe everything a teacher says!

To Ms. Hansbury, no question is irrelevant, no era too boring. Kids who didn’t know where Pakistan was in December argued about the country like experts by mid-January.
 
Hansbury’s office was described as a haven of tolerance, respect and intellectual debate, where kids flock to get her opinions on movies or a recent political change in Somalia, while encouraging them to think on their own.

I don’t know Ms. Hansbury; but this year she’s my favorite teacher.