School For Independent Learners

[Associated Press Photograph]

Jaime Escalante was a math teacher who made national headlines in 1982 when all 18 of his calculus students passed the rigorous AP Calculus exam.  The Educational Testing Service accused his students of cheating.  Twelve of them retested and proved they did not cheat.  These events were portrayed (with added Hollywood drama) in the movie, “Stand and Deliver,” with Edward James Olmos as Jaime Escalante.

Calculus Does Not Have To Be Made Easy – It Is Easy Already

- Banner in Jaime Escalente’s classroom

Mr. Escalante was born in Bolivia and came to the United States in 1963, taking odd jobs while studying English and earning his teaching credential.  He died on March 30, 2010 at the age of 79.

I believe the greatest gift Mr. Escalante gave his students was inspiration.  I was inspired by my own high school AP Calculus teacher.  She explained the most complex theorems with ease.  I know she was happy and pleased to learn that I became a math teacher, as I have kept in contact with her.  I hope to instill inspiration in my own Calculus students.

You can read more about Jaime Escalante’s life here, and here.  Obituaries can be read at the Los Angles Times and the New York Times.