"Is the Great American Teacher Dead?" by John J. Ivers. - Reading assignment

     This week in my TESOL class, we were asked to read "Is the Great American Teacher Dead?" by  John J. Ivers. This paper was published in the Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice ● Volume 18, 2012

    In reading this paper, I was drawn back to the memory of my sixth grade Science Teacher. While I am unable to remember her name, I remember her as my favorite teacher of all my years in school. She brought that science class alive and kept my interest in the subject. I looked forward to her class every day. I showed that interest  in my assignments. Conversely, one of my least favorite teachers was also in that same school during that same school year. My math teacher taught math without much enthusiasm. My math efforts unfortunately mirrored that same enthusiasm. 

    Both teachers taught the same student, yet one was able to encourage a dyslexic, ADHD with low self-esteem boy to try and succeed while the other was only able to prod a barely decent passing grade out of the same student. What was different between these two teachers, arguably proficient in their fields.  Professor Ivers explains why in his paper.

    To make an interesting paper short, it is the way each teacher taught. A more succinct answer would be the difference in the desires of each teacher. Professor Ivers points to teachers who focused on their students rather then their subjects. These great teachers taught their students, they did not bathe them in information by throwing them in a pool of details and hoping they drink it in rather then drown in it. They cared for their students enough to tailor their informational deliveries to them.

     In "Is the Great American Teacher Dead?"  Professor Ivers gives multiple examples of good teachers who try, but do not reach their students. He also gives examples of great teachers who do. I feel that while most of this paper is written as an answer to the question posed in the title, Professor Ivers also focuses on how to revive the 'Great American Teacher'. He highlights the methods great teachers use to excite and inform their students. He give tips and poses thought provoking questions.  

    One of the best ideas for retaining the students attention I took from Professor Ivers is the Ten Minute Rule. This rule states that every 10 minutes during the lesson the teacher must insert "something interesting, exciting or engaging into the lesson.". I love that idea.

    I still fondly remember my favorite teacher. Professor Ivers could have studied her class alone and probably been able to base most of his suggested fixes off of her teaching style. She introduced in me a love of learning science which lasted years. In answer to Professor Ivers postulated question, no I do not think the great American teacher is dead. They may be sick, but with the suggestions in this paper, they can come off life support and regain their greatness!