Teaching Math More Than About Numbers
Since I first proposed the topic of the blog writing contest which Jim is running over at Top School Fundraisers, I’ve been pondering who out of all my K-12 and college teachers I’d consider to be my favorites. My mind first went to the kind, patient elementary school teachers who I recall fondly. But after reading Angela’s post about her math teacher, one person jumped out as being one of the absolute best. And that was my high school math teacher, Mr. Bennett.
First off I will say I am by no means a math wiz and math was probably my least favorite subject! But somehow he was able to explain the ides to me in a way that I could understand. If the class didn’t quite get how to work a math problem he kept answering our questions, rephrasing things and doing “just one more problem” until we did get it. He never wanted to leave anyone behind.
When I got to college I realized just how lucky I had been to have Mr. Bennett as a math teacher. Even with a study partner and trying my best I had to drop college algebra since I was squeaking by with a low C. The next semester my new teacher seemed to have a similar knack as Mr. Bennett and I actually got an A. Though I was thankful that as an art major that was the only required math course!
Of course it wasn’t his skill with numbers that impressed me the most. It was his character and personality. He infused his trademark humor into class and his hilarious presentations on awards day were legendary. He simply exuded an optimistic view of life.
When not in the classroom Norman Bennett spent his free time in front of a camera or on stage. He performed in local theatre but has had many small speaking roles in major films. In a recent interview for a Sherman TV Station he admits that he tends to be typecast (basically playing himself) but he doesn’t seem to mind.
When I heard he’d retired a couple of years after I graduated I knew he wasn’t likely to sit still too long. One day my mother-in-law phoned us up and said to turn on the TV, Mr. Bennett was on Wheel of Fortune! Not too long ago we rented the film Infamous and there he was again. Even after all this time, Mr. Bennett is still teaching by example — you’re never too young, too old, too anything to enjoy life as the blessed adventure it can be.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I also had Mr. Bennett. In addition to all that Sandra has said, it always amazed me that he could figure complex math problems faster in his mind than any of us who had those “high-powered calculators.”
I also remember him showing us his photo album of people he had been in movies and TV shows with. When we got to one prominent star, someone asked, “What was it like to work with that person?”
Mr. Bennett, never willing to say something offensive just said, “There are a lot of names I could use, but let me just say that was not a very nice person to work with.” He was a man of great restraint!
Thanks for the support and example you set for us, Mr. Bennett!
May 7th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I would have to echo that Mr. Bennett is a great teacher. I had him for a couple years and always enjoyed his awards ceremonies. I remember one person in my class was especially struggling with the subject and anyone else would have been overly frustrated, but with a smile on his face, he helped this person until they “got it.” And he gently told them not to take Trigonometry, when they discussed wanting to sign up. So many teachers come into our lives and touch us in ways that stay with us well after the class is over….unsung heroes that they are, they press on and impact our future! Thanks for reminding me of a great teacher from high school!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Hi Jamie! I was just thinking of you and that I should email you this post. Glad you liked it. I added your blog to my Bloglines too!