Rex Bucheit 

From the Hamilton Journal-News, April 30, 2007

Rex Bucheit receives the Profound Impact Award from Miami University's School of Education and Allied Professions.

By Linda Ebbing


HAMILTON — Rex Bucheit could tout his long list of awards and recognitions, including his latest — the Profound Impact Award from Miami University's School of Education and Allied Professions.

But you won't find certificates of merit or ribbons on the walls and shelves of his office. What you will find are books, pictures of past and present students, puppets and a Mickey Mouse hat.

So don't be too surprised about the fact that even though Bucheit, principal of Fillmore
Elementary

School, was one of the first three alumni to be presented with the award, it's not something he will talk about. Instead he prefers to talk about "great ideas that teach, motivate and inspire children and teachers."

As a group and as individuals, "these award winners represent what Miami's School of Education and Allied Professions is all about," said Carine Feyten, EAP dean. "They exemplify the good work that thousands of our EAP graduates are doing throughout our region, the State of Ohio, the United States and the world.

"And while Mr. Rex Bucheit has received many awards in his long career, he is the kind of person and administrator who is most proud not of his public recognition but of the opportunity to comfort a sobbing pupil," said Feyton.

Bucheit graduated from Miami in 1978 with a major in elementary education and immediately began his teaching career. In 1979 he completed his master's degree at Miami and later completed course work to qualify as a principal.

As noted in his letter of nomination, "Bucheit is a tireless advocate for students with special needs, and he works daily to empower all students to find their strengths and become life-long learners. At Fillmore Elementary, he promotes an atmosphere of high expectations, cutting edge instruction, and profound respect for the cultures of the students in the school."

In his acceptance speech, Bucheit recounted stories of the people who have made a profound impact on him and his teaching career. They did so, he said, by allowing and encouraging him to be a "risk taker," by valuing "what I thought" and encouraging him "to think as I do and help me most use my mistakes as a learning tool and ultimately have success."

He encouraged Miami University administrators to "continue to embrace the risk taker ... and continue to embrace and promote those who have a passion about teaching."

Bucheit continues to think "outside of the box," according to Superintendent Janet Baker.

"Mr. Bucheit is the rare administrator whose passion for education, love of students and respect for staff sets him apart as a truly extraordinary role model," Baker said. "His creativity, enthusiasm and unique ability to think outside of the box is truly a gift to those he leads on a daily basis. As superintendent, I feel privileged to have him as a part of my administrative team."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.