The classroom of 26-year teaching veteran Aaron Becker features more than books and chairs; the room is filled with cultural artifacts, couches and colorful carpets and musical instruments on the walls.
Having been in education for nearly three decades, Becker has taught a range of classes over the years, including humanities, the American legal system, psychology, Middle Eastern studies, African studies and Asian studies.
Becker looks for many opportunities to present students with various viewpoints and utilizes an innovative teaching style to help his students view the world differently. For instance, Becker had his students film scenes of daily life at ETHS, which he later shared with teenagers in Saudi Arabia during a trip there. He also brought back tapes of life in Saudi Arabia to expose his own students to a different culture.
Becker completed his student teaching at ETHS with former U.S. History teacher Bruce Eddy, and his advice shaped Becker’s approach to teaching.
“He impacted me a lot,” said Becker. “He said that for some kids, you may be the most consistent thing in their lives.”
Becker also encourages his students to adopt new cultural identities in class, changing their perspective and helping them see the world through a different lens.
In 2007, Becker earned the Golden Apple, a prestigious teaching award presented annually to a select number of teachers in Illinois.
In his free time, Becker likes to learn, read, study his culture, travel and play instruments, and he looks forward to having more free time to embrace his hobbies in retirement. Throughout his years, Becker has forged many relationships that have deepened his connection to the ETHS community.
“I will miss processing the world through students, I will miss the students and I’ll miss my colleagues. I’ve made a lot of my friends here,” said Becker.
Becker has always been one to enable students in self-expression and possibility. He believes that allowing teenagers to have choices and ideas builds deep engagement and responsibility.
“Give students a voice because most students really want to learn. This way, you make it more fun for everyone and let them shine in a way that’s best for them,” said Becker.
