Falls Man Wins National Educator Award, Looks Up to Former Teacher for Inspiration

Ohio Virtual Academy High School Intervention Specialist Paul Wulff said his goal was to bring "fun" back into education ... and in the process of doing so, he received the 2012 American Pioneer of Teaching Award.

Wulff, of Cuyahoga Falls, said he was bringing fun back into the classroom by using music, sound effects, comics and creative educational board games in his online classroom.

"My daughter hated to read … that changed when she started to attend Mr. Wulff’s class" said a mother to two of Wulff’s students. "She read aloud a few times, and he praised her, and slowly her confidence grew." 

Here is what the National Coalition for Public School Options had to say about Wulff:

"Paul Wulff exemplifies teachers who have literally changed students' academic lives. Many of you have written in to tell us about his passion, dedication and attention to his students' unique learning needs. Now America has voted, and they agree – Paul Wulff deserves this national distinction for his ability to harness innovative learning practices, create enriching learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, and foster outstanding mentoring relationships with students."

Wulff, a graduate, said he has always looked up to his teachers — especially .

"Let him know how much of the award was because of his work with me in high school," said Wulff, who called Stephan an "inspiration" and a "hero."