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May 15, 2008

Enthusiasm key for motivational teacher

By David Ball

PORT ARTHUR — When Jaime Escalante asks students a question, he still gets a glaze in his eyes, anticipation in his voice and movement and an expectant grin on his face — gestures that only a teacher can give.

Though he’s now retired, Escalante still carries the enthusiasm and drive of a natural teacher.

Escalante was in town as part of the city of Port Arthur’s Community Prosecution Program and Teen Court motivational workshop for the youth. He gave his lecture in the city council chambers at city hall on Wednesday afternoon.

Escalante told how his students were not motivated to learn at the east Los Angeles school where he taught.

“They would bring no supplies. When I asked them why they came to school, they would say ‘my mom told me to come,’” Escalante said. “They would say they weren’t interested and they had a negative image of mathematics or ‘algebra is not for me,’ or ‘I hate math.’ Time is the only calling on your life.”

Yet this math teacher instructing at an impoverished and gang-ridden school taught his students calculus and other higher mathematics. They became the seventh-ranked high school for calculus in the nation. He was inducted, consequently, into the Teachers Hall of Fame in 1999 and the 1988 movie “Stand and Deliver,” was based on his teaching.

In addition to showing nifty math shortcuts and techniques and stories of his teaching experiences to the audience, he also gave a motivational message throughout his presentation.

“Anyone can do this is they push themselves and practice respect and the discipline of honesty,” Escalante said. “Determination, plus discipline, plus hardwork equals success. You don’t quit; you finish what you started. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Lots of successful people make mistakes. You can learn from them. Mathematics is a piece of cake.

“Nobody can tell you what your destiny will be. You can be anything you want to be. I look for excellence. Set your goals and go for it,” he said.

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