Philip Bressler, an economics teacher at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, believes every student is entitled to an excellent education and is ready to be challenged.
“I don’t say you have to have certain grades,” said Bressler, who opens his advanced placement economics classes to any student who wants to attend. “You have to be charged. If you’re willing to do the work, I’m willing to step forward and try to help you navigate the course.”
Bressler, who was selected as this year’s Independent Catholic High School Teacher of the Year, finds the Lasallian mission at Calvert Hall challenging. He said one of the best rewards as an AP teacher is seeing ninth graders build their skills and be willing to tackle more difficult classes by the time they reach their senior year.
His creativity in the classroom helps young men learn how to learn.
“You don’t memorize your way,” said Bressler. “It’s a lot of thinking, so I want our kids to be good thinkers and good learners.”
Bressler said the students use wipe-off boards almost every day, graphing each scenario that he offers them, and he often makes it competitive.
“We have teams, and if you draw the right graph, and it has to be a perfect graph, your team gets a point,” Bressler explained. “They like that kind of competition. It’s a way to be studying without them even realizing they are studying.”
He also has his students evaluate his class every day, noting questions and suggestions, enabling him to revisit those concepts that need clarification.
Bressler, who has a bachelor’s degree from Baruch College in New York, has been teaching for 27 years, but switched from public school to Calvert Hall seven years ago.
Principal Charles Stembler said Bressler is clearly invested in the success of every student, making himself available to work with them before school, after school, and even meets with them on Zoom.
“The other thing I love about him,” Stembler said, “is that he believes every kid can be successful. He really takes them under his wing.”
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