Leonora P. Telfer, 12th Grade Mathematics
Jaime Escalante Mathematics Teacher Awards 1996
Teacher:Paul Hammond, Santa Monica Adult School, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
I have always had a mental block toward mathematics. So, on day one of Mr. Hammond's math class, I was very apprehensive when he told me that some of the work would, indeed, be difficult but, with patience and determination, I would be able to penetrate "the block."
Just knowing that I had somebody on my side to help me step-by-step made the prospect of conquering this block seem less daunting. By always being available to help, show me what I did wrong, and give me tips on how to solve the problem the next time, he helped my comprehension. He never got impatient and, slowly but surely, my understanding became clearer and clearer.
Mr. Hammond would encourage me by taking time out to deal with me individually. He has the patience of Job. It is the quality about him I admire the most.
He is able to divide his time successfully among all the students and, yet, still make you feel that you are the only student in the class. He is polite and always friendly, which makes me look forward to going to class.
He changed my attitude by always reinforcing the idea that each problem could and would be solved. That basic idea was the driving force that made me more determined to solve the problems, and each time I conquered another concept, I was elated!
He told me that conquering math was only one small part of this big situation we call life, and his attitude that hard work and determination are the keys to success in math can also be applied to that "big situation." Sometimes it will be easy, sometimes more difficult, but I can use the same problem-solving skills that I have learned in his class and apply them to achieving all my goals.
His determination to make sure we all learn, in spite of the attitude of a few students, is encouraging because he does not give up in the face of adversity. Mr. Paul Hammond is a wonderful math teacher, and I hereby nominate him for the highest award there is.
