Doan's ir;

His Name^

Magic in the Classroom Is His Game

A magician lurks in the corridors of Middle Township High School. He wears no cape, brandishes no wand, has no special chants. But the spells he unobtrusively casts daily are more powerful and long-lasting than any socerer could ever conjure. The "magician” is chemistry teacher William Doan—the man Science Dept, chairman Joseph Steady contends is responsible for the successful science program now flourishing in Middle Township. Although not a prestidigitator in the usual sense of the word, Mr. Doan possesses a special magic—the unique ability for motivating students to learn. “Whatever does it, Bill motivates," Mr. Steady has said. "He’s a magician." IN APRIL, BILL DOAN was selected by the South Jersey section of the Arqerican- Chemical Society as "Outstanding Scieifce Teacher.” The honor is granted annually to a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to science education in South

Jersey.,

Among the four finalists for the prestigious award was Glassboro

- on the cover At the head of his class, teacher Bill Doan^begins a formula for learning.

by Bob Shiles

, tht 1 go \a

High School physics teacher Paul Lefterman—Mr. Doan's supervising teacher when he participated in his student teaching program

back in 1970.

Mr. Letterman says of his former student: “You could tell by watching him (teach) that if he stayed in education he was going to be a doggone good teacher. He had the background and enthusiasm necessary to make a

good one.”

DOAN’S / SCIENTIFIC ckground comes from years of extensive educational training and industrial work experience. Although he received his degree in physical science education from Glassboro State Qollege in 1971, he has also studied at Rutgers University, St. Petersburg Jr. College, and the University of South Florida. Before landing his first teaching B isition in HaddonTield in 1971, oan has worked at everything ■ from fixing bikes for Goodwill to working as an air speed calibrator for Aerosonic Corporation. He was also a quality control inspector for Trak Microwave (Tampa), an inspector for Remcor (Williamstown) and an employee of Sfruthers-Dunn (Pitman). ALTHOUGH HE MUST DEPEND On crutches to get around as a result of being struck by polio at the age of 5, the 37-year-old

SURROUNDED BY books, phamplets, diagrams, and other learning aids, Bill Doan is in the midst of his environment and from this educational niche he conjures up his spell on students.

scientist has never let his handicap stand in the way of goals he wished to achieve. Among other achievements, he is a licensed pilot—having at one-time owned and maintained his own airplane, an experienced mechanic, forifier member of the Rutgers ROTC Rifle Team and a past coxswain on the Rutgers freshman Rowing

Team.

According to Steady, students have the utmost confidence and respect for Doan’s Abilities. “I don’t remember him ever having a discipline problem »in eight years,” the department head

noted.

A teacher in the district since 1972, Bill Soan was instrumental in establishing the Advanced Chemistry course iq the high school curriculum. The course, which was introduced in 1976, is taught on the college level using a reference book that is one of the top five chemistry texts used by colleges. (ABOUT 90 PER CENT of the students who take his advanced chemistry course go on to scientific careers,” the department chairman pointed out. “They frequently tell me how much Bill’s course has helped them. One midshipman in the top 10 per cent of his class at Annapolis described his chemical preparation as 'right on target’. Students at the Univer-

*» «* T)

THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS as a teacher and as a multi-talented individual ha;, been figured out by this Middle Township chemistry teacher, who can rivet the attention of students even on difficult subjects.

sity of Delaware are equally en-

thusiastic."

In addition to introducing the advanced chemistry program at' Middle, Doan also established an Introduction' to Flying Course. This course not only acquaints students with the basics of flying, but also emphasizes basic prin-

ciples of physics.

And still the list of accomplishments made by the magician goes on In 1978 his chemistry program was commended by the Industrial Council of New Jersey, and in 1976 the state Commissioner of Education commended the high school's entire science program as the "most improved in the six southern

counties.”- ,

IN ADDITION, Doan's students consistently scordhigh in the New Jersey State Science Day Exam and do extremely well in local and regional science fair competitions. This year seven of his students won medals at the Delaware Valley Science Fair, one of whom went on h*Compete in the International Science Fair held in Milwaukee. But with all of the time he spends teaching chemistry and advanced chemistry, Bill Doan still finds time three days each jweek to take charge of the school's Alternative Education Class. This class convenes after regular school hours for students who can’t conform to the normal classroom situation. “This is the student’s last chance before expulsion," Doan said. He explained that in this situation, he tries to find out from each student what their problems are and how he can help So that they adjust and are once again able to join the regular school en-

vironment.

“THE STORY sTHAT most often pops into mmd when I think of Bill is the kids coming in after school," Steady recalls. "Kids are always there, finishing labs, doing projects. But what I really love is the fact that several seniors have come*back in June after graduatiort to I continue working for several days on their unknowns to get their last marking period grade’up to an A, Some of us have trouble getting seniors to do anything in the last marking period much less getting them to work'after graduation." How^does he do it? Motivation, initiative, determination, enthusiasm. These are the elements that make Bill Doan unique—a real magician. Bob Shiles is staff writer for the Herald and Lantern. , CAPS UA1 COUNTY/AAGSIINl J