Michael Albrechtsen has always had a passion for art. In fact, prior to beginning his career as an art teacher at Olathe North High School, Albrechtsen worked at Hallmark Cards, followed by two decades of selling his own art. It wasn’t until 2018 when he received his teaching certificate from Fort Hays State University that he began teaching.
“Teaching for me was a goal to do later in life,” said Albrechtsen. “So, I started teaching just eight years ago when I was 54-years-old. I learned how to be a professional artist first, and then brought that experience back to my students.”
Albrechtsen has always maintained a positive and optimistic approach while helping ensure his students who think differently aren’t treated differently. He currently teaches Drawing & Painting in the Olathe North art program, as well as Distinguished Scholars Visual Arts. His patience and persistence to get the best out of his students is constantly on display.
“I have so many students in the art class that struggle with so many other classes,” said Albrechtsen. “Watching them go above and beyond to push through the tough times and graduate is amazing. Even better is watching them become great people and treating others with respect.”
Albrechtsen’s nominator for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Award is a student who took the time out of her busy high school day to highlight the many accomplishments and impact Albrechtsen has had throughout her journey at Olathe North.
“Mr. Albrechtsen is known for connecting with every student,” said Albrechtsen’s nominator, Ashlynn Adams-Crist. “He is not only a good teacher, but he is also a good person to talk to. He genuinely cares about every student. His classroom is a safe space for so many students who are having life difficulties or challenges.”
“It means so much to me that a student took the time to nominate me,” said Albrechtsen. “The fact that one student thought I did something worthy of this type of an award means so much to me as an educator. That’s why I teach. I always hope I can help somebody in a tough situation, and to have one of my teenage students recognize that is better than any adult-given award I have ever received.”
To help make art and his classroom easily accessible, Albrechtsen keeps his door open to anyone, at any time. There are even days in the summer when he opens up the studio. To him, it’s a space where people can create projects and talk about anything without being judged.
“Throughout the school year I help my students realize that they need to have goals, and they need to continue to improve in every aspect of who they are and what they want to accomplish,” said Albrechtsen. “If you do not know where you are going, you can’t see where you’ve been. Both are important to progress.”
“He is the kind of teacher every student hopes to have,” said nominator Adams-Crist. “He is kind, welcoming, and understanding of students and their needs. I wish everyone could have an advocate like Mr. A (as he is known at school) in their lives.”
“Michael’s ability to bring real-world experience to the art room gives his students a unique understanding of the profession,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC President. “The fact that one of his students felt motivated and inspired to nominate him for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Award speaks volumes about his character, personality, and charisma. Congratulations!”
“Be who are you, create what you feel, work as hard as possible, and the rest will take care of itself,” said Albrechtsen.
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritan.
