By LAURA LANE
Social studies Chairperson Kevin Sheehan nominated Ehrman, which he mentioned was an unusual procedure. Usually teachers will nominate themselves, but Sheehan noted that Ehrman is humble.
Ted is the kind of guy who comes in and does his job, he said. He is a workhorse who eats, drinks, and sleeps economics.
Ehrman earned the award by creating The Regents Plus Economics program. Sheehan refers to this extension of Oceanside's senior economics program as an enabling offering.
Ted's program gives students the opportunity to not only excel in economics, but to transform their self concept in the process, he said.
The AP economics examination is one of the least taken tests in the United States. Sheehan points out that there are several reasons for this, but one of the main factors for students is the reputation of a student that takes an AP course.
The students who have been in the AP pool are labeled as the smart kids, Sheehan said. Even when prompted to join, other students feel that they are not capable.
Ehrman changed this concept. By creating a series of booklets, he translated sophisticated economic concepts to a level understandable by all students in Regents economics. The booklets are made up of exercises, and copies are given to all 400 seniors. Throughout the year, Ehrman prepares students for a variety of tests and allows them to retake the tests until they master the material. The retake tests are different versions of the original, and are used by Ehrman to ensure that his students understand the material.
Often times students not only succeed in grasping this material but also find a newfound confidence in their ability. These students are encouraged to join the Regents Plus Program. The program, an evening or pre-school tutorial enables the traditional Regents students to take the Micro and Macro AP Examinations.
Our goal is to convince the kids that the AP Exams are just a test and that anyone can take it, Sheehan said.
Sheehan believes that when a student receives the letter inviting them to join the Regents Plus Program they recognize that the AP is not a country club, but is open to anyone willing to do the work.
He feels that these students see an opportunity to take the same exam as the valedictorian and are no longer intimidated.
My feeling has always been that students are very bright and have great abilities, Ehrman said. I believed that this program would bring it out of them.
Ehrman is very pleased with how well his students are doing. In the first year, 80 percent of the students received a three or a four on the AP exam, which means that they received college credit.
However, not every child chose to take the AP Exams. Regardless, these children found Ehrman's teaching approach beneficial as well.
On Regents exams, the students I've had don't get under a 90, he said. Last year, five kids got 100.
To glean these results, Ehrman not only hands out booklets and provides re-tests, he also uses an alternative teaching method. Traditional classroom time is spent teaching a particular area, and students are then assigned homework that introduces them to a new topic. Ehrman reversed the process.
The department now teaches a lesson, and gives homework that relates to that lesson. Time is spent the next day asking students if they understood what they read while doing the assigned homework, Sheehan said. We've found that kids are listening more intently in class because they know that it is part of the homework.
Ehrman also uses a bevy of different sources to reach the students. Gathering daily editions of both The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal along with materials he has accumulated, he creates a series of outlines, study guides and workbooks which ensures that the course will not be solely textbook driven.
I believe in a philosophy of teaching that encourages students to redo work, take exams over, improve grades and use current events to teach economic theories, Ehrman said.
Students find his commitment and approaches unique.
The way he explained the most difficult concept or made a game out of a simpler one, the way he enjoyed our questions or smiled at our answers was done in a manner truly unlike any other teacher I have known, 2000 graduate Jenny Diorio said.
Other students were impressed by his time commitment.
He arrives at school at 6:45 a.m. to accommodate his students with extra help sessions, stays till after 4:00 to hold more extra-help sessions, and has help classes two months prior to the AP Exam at 8:00 at night, noted one 2000 graduate named James. Before I had met Mr. Ehrman, the closest thing to economics I had come to was Monopoly, he added. Ten months after, I scored fives on both the micro and macro AP Exams, earning myself two semesters worth of college credit.
The teachers at Oceanside H.S. have also benefited from Ted Ehrman's teaching style. For the last two years, he has offered Friday afternoon content workshops for the teachers of economics. The in-service training program is fondly referred to as Economics University, and has the full support of the Economics Faculty. The preparatory class encompasses economic principles, theory, and everyday economic literacy.
Ted's efforts in making sure the course continually evolves and stays both current and relevant is nothing short of inspiring to a younger teacher, Oceanside Economics teacher Dan Radzicki said. His extensive knowledge as an educator makes him a wealth of information for both students and colleagues alike.
Time and again, Mr. Ehrman not only shared his knowledge, expertise, and skills, but lent a hand to assist a beginning colleague in succeeding at teaching, Social Studies teacher Paula Bocchicchio added.
Many graduating students have corresponded with administration and Ted Ehrman after completing their first semester in college.
Whenever I see the kids, they say that they feel comfortable taking more advanced college economic courses, and many have even changed their majors to economics, Ehrman said. Even those that didn't take the AP Exam in high school find that when they take the economic course in college that they do very well.
Other schools have been approaching Sheehan to bring Ehrman's method to their school. Massapequa High School is very interested but it is all in the planning stage right now, Sheehan said.
The AP exam will take place in May of 2002. The regents will follow. As students prepare themselves for the exams, Jenny Diorio is completing her first semester in college. She will never forget Ted Ehrman.
I love Mr. Ehrman, because
he taught a group of lethargic seniors more than Economics. He taught us how to be passionate about learning.
