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October 20, 2005

Inspiring Teachers

The book Teachers by John Yow contains brief biographies of great teachers and is a "tribute to enlightened, exceptional, and extraordinary teachers."  Truly an inspiring book – one to read when we're gathering up the courage to try something risky and innovative in class.  One biography caught my eye this week -- it describes Myron Blosser, a high school science teacher in Harrisonburg , VA.   He's having great success with creative projects in his classroom, but it all started some years ago:  

"Myron Blosser's defining moment as a teacher occurred during his second year in the classroom.  His students were finishing up their test on atoms and subatomic structure – electrons, protons, molecules, etc. – and as they handed in their papers he asked if anyone had any questions before they moved on to a new unit of study.

"Clint, one of my best students, full of energy, very precocious, raised his hand and said, 'Mr. Blosser, are there any atoms in this room?'"

"'At that moment I realized I'd failed'  … In the sixteen years since,  making a practical application has been what Blosser's science classes have been all about." p. 24

 I wish this story didn't seem so familiar.  Am I about to hear, "Prof. Kroenke, are there any IS on campus?"  Please tell me "No."

Posted by DavidK at October 20, 2005 04:31 PM | Permalink

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