Leroy Getchell
professor of kinesiology, IUB

" I think some of my best teachers were coaches because they got involved with students and were interested. They spent more time with students. My best teachers were knowledgeable but not afraid to admit mistakes. A really good teacher recognizes a teachable moment whether it occurs in the classroom or somewhere else."

John Lewis
chair of political science, IU South Bend

"The best teacher I can remember taught me physics and math in high school. What stands out in my mind now, looking back, was the sense of excitement, discovery and wonder that he created in the class and his ability to show us that the ideas that help us explore and understand the world can be both powerful and beautiful."

Bruce Nissen
associate professor of labor studies, IU Northwest

"The best teacher I ever had was a philosophy professor who was able to explain anything to anybody and make it relevant. He did this to me with Plato, Jean Paul Sartre and others. He related to the subject matter, but he was so in touch with the students that he could make things relevant to us even when there seemed to be no connection."

Susan Sutton
associate professor of anthropology, IUPUI

"My best teacher was my fourth grade teacher. She awakened me to learning and laid the groundwork for all the rest. She loved learning herself, was excited each day and was eager to teach us. She really liked working with students. She cared. We knew that, and we wanted to please her. She was very creative. She kept us awake."

David Garton
associate professor of physiology, IU Kokomo

"I've had several influential teachers and professors. They were those who were unconventional in their approach to presenting material. Every class was a bit of a surprise. They asked challenging questions and had high expectations. They could cajole or prod students to learn more then they ever thought possible. I have tried to emulate them in my teaching."

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