"Any questions, CC?" Mr. Davidson took his usual break after 10 minutes of teaching to ask if I had any questions. Seventh period, sophmore year of high school, honors chemistry tested my brain's capability. Redox equations, empirical formulas, and stoichiometry left me with daily headaches. I struggled to stay on top of the work load, let alone understand the complex material. Mr. Davidson tested all his students and forced us to work to our maximum capacity. After an intense lecture he would make a light hearted joke so we left the class laughing, and our hands throbbing from the notetaking.
Mr. Davidson challenged his students with the material and the required hours of studying; however, he was always willing to put just as much time into our learning as we were. I stayed after school numerous times for extra help. I constantly interrupted his lectures with questions. After a while he saved me the trouble of raising my hand and would stop teaching and ask what I needed clarified. I never felt stupid or left behind. He brought so much humor into the classroom, and carried it through the material. It was always a game with Mr. Davidson. Once I brought my notebook up to his desk to ask him about the notes. He looked at my confused frustrated face and said, "How can I miss you if you won't go away?" My jaw dropped and I stood there stunned, then started cracking up! That was Mr. Davidson. He'd break apart anxiousness and frustration, then answer questions.
I really don't specifically know why Mr. Davidson defines what a great teacher is for me. Maybe it is because he was a chemistry genius, or that he always made me laugh, or his way of captivating the entire class. When someone asks me the qualities of a good teacher, I immediately think about Mr. Davidson. I will always remember seventh period of sophmore year not because of the confusion of chemistry, but because of the clarity of great educator.
-- Cecilia D'Antonio, American University