Jeff Sayers

Jeff Sayers receiving congratulations from Superintendent,
Dr. Thomas Rohr

His colleagues' descriptions depict the prototype of a scientist for whom the pursuit of knowledge is his personal passion and legacy to others. He has passed down to students this ideal of finding personal satisfaction in problem solving. Much of his courses give students a larger percentage of time for independent study than their other classes.

"He wasn't one to teach straight from a textbook," said former student Ann Tilley, who will begin medical school at Duke University in the fall. "You didn't ask him a question if it was glaringly obvious. You wanted to figure out as much as you could so he would respect you."

Much of his independent time is spent on computer programs, which Sayers researched on his personal time and brought into the classroom. Bringing real-world technology into the classroom ties into his philosophy of using math and science for practical applications.

Comet Hale-Bopp provided students with the opportunity to determine using the laws of mechanics. Sayers' students are taught to be independent but they are not left on their own.

He arrives at classes early and stays late in case students have questions about their homework. Former students contact him for help on their college assignments. And when his five children were in school, he assisted not only them but their friends. "When he got back from teaching, there was usually someone waiting at home for him." said his wife, Carol.

Sayers particularly enjoys upper-level classes, the ones in which the students are there because they want to learn. "His was never a class where he said if you want to pass, you need to do this," said Tilley. "That's not his style. He expected us to want to be there and he treated us like adults." Tilley was in the first Northview AP math and science classes, which Sayers implemented in 1992.

Approximately 75 percent of Northview students who took the AP tests last year scored a 4 or 5 out of a possible 5, according to the school superintendent Thomas Rohr. Many colleges allow a 3 to substitute for course credit. "Jeff Sayers has been an outstanding addition to Clay Community Schools," said Rohr. "He has provided excellent academic training. Our students have always done well on the secondary level because of it."

Thanks to Beth Hlavek, Staff Writer, Brazil, IN, TIMES