Henrico's Top Teachers – Kareem Texler

The metaphor Kareem Texler uses when describing academics is "muscle confusion."

If someone does the same workouts every day, he may be in decent shape but he's not improving.

For Texler, the same concept goes for his mathematics students at Deep Run High School.

On the website ratemyteachers.com, the latest comment posted about Texler reads, simply, “Mr. Texler is a straight G.” (The term G stands for gangster, but in a good way  – describing someone who remains true to themselves, regardless of the circumstances.)

“Literally, who I am in the classroom is exactly who I am outside of the classroom,” Texler said. “I feel like I can talk to them normally. I can be myself. I can let my humor shine through. I don’t have to act differently like I would if I was teaching younger kids.”

Mr. Texler makes the numbers come alive, guiding students along their progression," one parent wrote in a nomination letter. "In addition to outstanding teaching skills, he provides extra help when needed and works with students to develop extracurriculars that help expand their affiliation with the school and community.”

One of the reasons Texler may be able to connect with his students is because he has been in their shoes. He is a Henrico Public Schools product himself, having graduated from Godwin High School. He later attended Virginia Tech and has been teaching at Deep Run for more than 12 years.

"One of the things that I do well, that I think is important to be a good teacher, is that I’m always trying to improve," he said. "I’ve been doing it for 12 years, and I’m never content."

Texler mixes positivity and hard work to achieve his goals as a teacher. He's known as an encouraging teacher whose optimism is evident daily.

"Of all the wonderful teachers my son has had, looking back from the end of his senior year, Mr. Texler stands out as The One," a parent wrote in a nomination letter.

In addition to teaching, Texler also sponsors the Interact Club, a program that gives back to the community, raising money for a variety of causes – including for Puerto Rico after the devastation brought by Hurricane Maria.

Texler's car often is the last one in the school's parking lot, and during lunch hours, his classroom is open to his students who need help.

“I haven’t had lunch with an adult in years because I’m always in my classroom trying to help students,” he said.