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[Paul Kelter] We're talking about exploration Michelle, good. We're talking about engaging,
we're talking about exploration. We're going to be talking without looking at the books.
What else should we talk about? [Male Narrator] Although Professor Paul Kelter
holds a P.H.d in analytical chemistry, he is above all a specialist in how young people
of all ages learn math and science. As such, he is a teacher of teachers. He has written
two major chemistry education books and over sixty journal articles, delivered over 200
conference presentations, attracted over 17 million dollars in grants, and received twenty
major teaching awards; but professor Kelter's career as an educator is defined by a simple
philosophy: All students matter and all students can learn.
[Dr. Paul Kelter] Our first responsibility as teachers is to know what our students know.
And different students will know different things. So when we recognize that all students
can learn we do the things you need to do to work with them and make sure they are a
part of the class. [Dr. La Vonne Neal] Paul is an inspirational
teacher because he empowers his students. He teaches them to think critically and to
give their opinions and thoughts on whatever it is he is teaching. He allows them to ask
questions, he gives them his undivided attention and responds in an engaging way.
[Dr. Jennifer Berne] Dr. Kelter moves all the time. So because of that I think, he moves
his students. And doing that helps his students see how you move their students.
[Dr. Laurie Elish-Piper] Paul is really passionate about STEM education. And he's really a life-long
learner who models for his students the importance of being engaged and learning new things and
just being excited about education in general. Paul has a really great sense of humor and
he's a lot of fun. And when he teaches, he just exudes the joy of teaching and learning.
[Dr. Jon Miller] Paul has a talent for engaging his students in discussion and with that the
students actually direct the class. Once he gets it going the students take over and ask
the questions and initiate the discussion and he then becomes the facilitator, the students
actually take ownership for what they learn in the class.
My favorite times in class are when students are compelled to figure it out. And we don't
do it in a rushed way, we do it deliberately, we wait, we have patience, we battle around
the ideas always in an atmosphere of support. Paul sincerely wants to make a difference
in this world. And he supports other people who shares similar goals.
Working with him is fun, it's interesting in the sense that he brings so much to the
table to make sure that we have the best product that we can put out there.
Paul is a fabulous colleague, he's really collaborative and he often times asks the
question, "How can I help?" And he really means it.
I love the faculty, the staff, and the students in this place. NIU is a place that is making
me happy in this last part of my career and it's such a pleasure to think that I get to
have more years doing just this kind of thing. I can't think of a better job.