Richard Weissbourd - Teachers Make a Difference

The transcript reflects on three influential educators in the speaker's life. The first was a high school history teacher who deeply invested in the speaker's understanding of history, particularly the Civil War and reconstruction. The second was Tom Joe, a leader in anti-poverty efforts, who taught the speaker to focus on tangible results in improving children's lives. The third was Alliel Men, a teaching fellow who guided the speaker in effectively engaging students in conversations about race. Each educator imparted valuable lessons on dedication, focus, and meaningful engagement.

What was the main lesson the narrator learned from their high school history teacher?

• The necessity of following instructions

• The significance of extracurricular activities

• The value of historical accuracy and deep learning

• The importance of writing style

What was Tom Joe's primary focus in his work?

• Attending meetings

• Writing articles

• Giving speeches

• Improving the lives of children

How did Tom Joe influence the narrator's approach to work?

• By promoting academic research

• By focusing on achieving tangible results

• By emphasizing the importance of collaboration

• By encouraging public speaking

What did Alliel Men help the narrator improve in their teaching?

• Their ability to manage classroom behavior

• Their approach to engaging in conversations about race

• Their skills in organizing class materials

• Their methods for grading assignments

What quality of Alliel Men was particularly impactful for the narrator?

• Her strictness

• Her patience and ability to take different perspectives

• Her punctuality

• Her organizational skills