Jaime Escalante Essay

From the moment he stepped foot in Garfield High School, Jaime Escalante was determined to show his class of delinquents that they had the potential to turn their lives around. Mr. Escalante inspired his students to apply themselves, starting in mathematics. Although he first taught them basic math, Mr. Escalante was confident in his students’ ability to excel in calculus and even pass the Advanced Placement exam. Mr. Escalante used unconventional teaching methods to help his students overcome the many diverse obstacles they faced growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood. His students not only saw him as a phenomenal teacher, but also as a mentor and friend. Mr. Escalante’s ability to impact the students who were the hardest to reach would make him as asset to Swansboro High School. The students in Mr. Escalante’s class could all contribute part of their poor performance at school to the lack of support they received from their families and educators. For example, Ana Delgado was temporarily forced to quit school to waitress at her father’s restaurant despite being extremely successful and aspiring to go to medical …show more content…
Escalante would greatly benefit Swansboro High School. The expectations for students at this school are continuously decreasing. The transition from a seven to a ten point grading scale as well as the removal of parts of the weighted scale has proven to students that they do not need to put as much effort into their schoolwork to receive the “A” or full credit they desire in their classes. Mr. Escalante realized that making it easier for students to succeed has no benefits; it is through raised expectations that students prosper. It is critical for teachers to get to know their students on a personal level in order to teach to the best of their ability, and Mr. Escalante proved that he was willing to do that. Mr. Escalante would challenge high achieving students, instill confidence in low achieving students, and be loved by students and faculty