Exceptional leaders produce exceptional follow­ers. Inspirational, caring teachers produce stu­dents and adults of character and integrity.

Academic Games Leagues of America (AGLOA) has been blessed throughout its history with teacher/ coaches and leaders who are exceptional, inspi­rational, and caring. Over the past 45 years, 170 of them have been honored as Outstanding Academic Games Educators. Of the 170, twenty- seven have been elevated to the Academic Games Hall of Fame as a result of their string of victories. All 170 have exhibited qualities that are laudable and exemplary no matter what their profession.

What makes these educators outstanding? What makes them exceptional leaders? Why do their players become incredible adults?

They KNOW what they are expected to teach. They have prepared themselves and are experts in their field.

They TEACH with skill. They use many methods and techniques. They make their instruction lively and current and meaningful for their students.

They CHALLENGE players to do their absolute best. They are not willing to settle for mediocrity. They challenge their players to reach their own peaks of excellence.

 

They INSPIRE. They paint mental pictures of what can be and then encourage their players to push themselves to achieve.

They MODEL for their players. They challenge themselves and always act with character, hon­esty, and integrity. Everyone wants to follow a leader with those attributes.

They LOVE their players. Everyone needs acceptance and unconditional caring. For sure, they discipline and demand, for that is part of loving.

They ORGANIZE. They prepare materials, sched­ule practices, arrange transportation, and do all the little things that make the whole work. With­out the little things being done, the big results never occur.

They ADMINISTER. Events do not just happen. Without League administrators and teacher/ coaches who assist in producing forms, obtaining sites for tournaments, setting schedules, gene­rating and distributing results, there would be no competitions.

The two 2012 Academic Games Outstanding Edu­cators represent the previous 170 honorees by exhibiting these qualities. Their players have been blessed by their leadership. Their players have been inspired to emulate them. Their in­spired players will become our future. Aren’t we fortunate!