Mike Anderson makes learning fun for class participants

Lynsie Powers was disappointed that her anatomy and physiology class with Mike Anderson lasted only one semester. As one of Timberlake’s two valedictorians, science is a favored subject for Powers, who aspires to study pre-medicine at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, next fall. Anatomy and physiology required extensive memorization, but Anderson made her task easier by illustrating the subject with his memorable, although not necessarily artistic, drawings.

“He’s terrible at them,” Powers said.

What he’s good at is making sure students comprehend his lessons and he does it with a contagious laugh. He was the obvious choice when Powers was asked to recognize a teacher who influenced her life, she said. He also taught her sophomore year biology class.

“Having fun in his class was something to look forward to,” she said. “He’s always positive about everything and he lets his morals and values come through in the classroom.”

A NISTAR nomination from Powers meant a lot to Anderson, who has received state recognition for his teaching excellence.

“This is probably the biggest honor because it came from a student,” he said.

Powers has earned distinctions of her own, including most valuable player in basketball, a state competitor in track, and an Idaho Top Scholar and Rotary Student of the Month.

“To be honored by a student, especially one of that caliber, was just a great honor,” Anderson said. “She’s one of those kids who really pushes me to be a better teacher and probably one of the best students I’ve had in 13 years of teaching. She’s going to ask you tough questions. She brings out the best in me.”