Ed King named FWCS Teacher of the Year

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - North Side High School music teacher Edward King has been named the 2012 Fort Wayne Community Schools Teacher of the Year. He has been teaching at North Side for 39 years.

According to FWCS leaders, King was selected because of his "inspiring dedication to students over the last four decades and his passion for working with students of all musical abilities."

In addition to teaching, King founded and serves as the artistic director and lead trombonist for the New Millennium Jazz Orchestra, a professional big band. He also co-founded and plays with the Three Rivers Brass Ensemble and serves on the board of the Local 58, American Federation of Musicians.

King hasn't yet decided when he'll retire, but said when he does it will be difficult. "I would like my students to remember that I cared about each and every one of them. I value the time they gave to the program, the respect they showed me, the memories we made together."

"Ed King is a treasure to Fort Wayne Community Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson. "His passion and dedication over the years is unrivaled. His students may not all become professional musicians, but the skills and values he teaches last a lifetime. Parents frequently stop me and ask that we don't let him retire until their children are out of school."