In Passing

Do you remember any of your "grade school" teachers? Anyone stick out? For me, there's just one. The one that stayed after school to teach spanish to anyone who wanted to stay after school to learn it. The one who wrote and directed plays that allowed his students to "get involved" and produce several SRO sold out performances (not bad for 7th graders.) The one who went on to write several books and become a mentor, friend and world class teacher at Emory University in Atlanta. There's so much more to him. His teaching in Iran, being headmaster at a school in Mallorca Spain. I'm sure there's a lot of holes to fill in for me, as I just re-connected with him a few years back. A brief phone call, several emails. our shared love for Neil Diamond music.

What a shock this morning, when I heard of the passing of this friend, mentor and teacher. His name: Manuel Francisco Pajares. Doubt you know him, maybe you read one of his many books. He was big on adolescent education. And big on this guy, on this guy as well. This is "deep" stuff, but Mr. Pajares knew them well. His website was a wealth of information, I had wondered why it hadn't changed in some time. I was able to find a page from a former student (Thanks, Ellen) that includes his "Philosophy." Worthy read.

(Calvin and Hobbs were his favorite)

Love, patience, humor. (my words)

Here's a great article from just a couple of years back. And this, said to be one of his last interviews, (the link is easy) Since it had been a year since I last communicated with him, I am a bit confused about his request "not to discuss" his passing. There is a "remembrance" page on Facebook. I am hoping to learn more about him, through those that knew him even better than I. Here is another example, of someone using their blog, as I am to express their grief.

Here's hoping he passed peacefully, with his family at his side.

Here's hoping there was a huge "celebration" of his life and what he brought to our world.

Here's hoping there's understanding, that I am sharing his life, rather than discussing his death.

A brief synopsis from his school, Emory:

Professor Frank Pajares

Frank Pajares is Winship Distinguished Research Professor of educational psychology at EmoryUniversity in Atlanta, USA. A native of Spain, he worked as a teacher and school headmaster in the United States, Iran, and Spain before receiving his doctorate from the University of Florida. In 1998 he received the Richard E. Snow Award for Early Contributions to Educational Psychology from the American Psychological Association, Division 15, as well as a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Fellowship Award. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1999 from the Center for Teaching and Curriculum at Emory University, and he has on four occasions been recognised for excellence in undergraduate teaching by the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Professor Pajares' service on Editorial Boards includes the Journal of Educational Psychology, Contemporary Educational Psychology, the Educational Psychologist, the American Educational Research Journal, and the Journal of Experimental Education. He is coeditor of the book series Adolescence and Education. He is forthcoming Associate Editor of the Journal of Educational Psychology. His research focuses on self‑efficacy beliefs in academic settings, self‑concept beliefs, academic motivation, teachers' beliefs, and William James's contribution to education and psychology.