Physics teacher is an inspiration to his students

Renowned academic and historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

A living example of this is Glenbard South High School physics teacher John Baier, who will be honored with the 2007-2008 Outstanding High School Physics Teacher in Illinois award during a ceremony Friday in Champaign.

Baier was inspired by his own physics teacher at Loyola Academy, Bob Pasquesi, back in the 1960s. He became a role model for Baier, both personally and academically.

"He was a wonderful man," Baier said. "And he was a consummate good teacher. If he had been a math teacher, I would probably be a math teacher today. If he had been a Latin teacher, I'd probably be a Latin teacher today."

Baier has been a science teacher for 40 years, and was chosen for the award based on nominations received by the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers, ISAAPT.

"A good teacher is one who will not just open the book and work problems. He needs to be excited about the subject and is able to convey that to students so that they see how fascinating it is to see nature from a view of a physicist," said David Renneke, emeritus professor of physics at Augustana College in Rock Island and administrator of the ISAAPT Web site.

One of the reasons the high school awards program was initiated in 1980 was to recognize these outstanding teachers in an important subject, which often doesn't get much recognition.

Taking everything a step further is what makes an outstanding teacher.

One of Baier's former students can attest to that.

"Mr. Baier loves physics. There are no two ways about that. His passion and the way he goes about it inspires passion," said Stephen Guerin of Glen Ellyn, who is a freshman at Northwestern University in Evanston majoring in economics and mechanical engineering.

But it was not just Mr. Baier the teacher who influenced Guerin. It was Mr. Baier himself.

"As a teacher, he definitely inspired me to go down the physics route," Guerin said. "He turned out to be an excellent physics teacher. But also, as a person, he cares about people a lot."

Guerin went on to tell the story of one of his classmates, who had lost her father in their junior year of high school. Despite the fact it was a busy time of the school year, Baier took the time to see what he could do to help. He even helped the student write the eulogy she was to deliver at her father's funeral.

"He checked on her every day to make sure she was doing OK," Guerin said.

Guerin also described how Baier went to bat for him after he was waitlisted for Northwestern.

"He personally called the woman in charge of admissions for me," said Guerin, who now pulls a 3.850 grade point average.

Baier recalls helping Guerin's quest to get into the college of his choice.

"They (NU Admissions) were a little upset with me," he said. "But I got on the phone. I said, 'I'm not going to let this thing go.' "

Looking back, Baier points to Guerin's high GPA as vindication that he did the right thing in standing up for the student.

Baier's teaching philosophy is straightforward.

"When kids are laughing, kids are involved, having a good time, kids are learning," he said.

Baier explained how he makes class interesting. Instead of treating his subject as if it is something to inflict on a student's mind, he goes into a class with this approach -- "There's something very beautiful about the physical world, and I know the secret of it. The secret is complex. I am going to lead you on this journey. One thing you won't be able to do: you'll never be able to go back."

Over the years, Baier has undoubtedly influenced many. One of his stories recalls a teen he tutored in her home about 20 years ago.

"She was pregnant and carrying the baby to term. The pay was minuscule, but I said I'd do it," Baier said.

Together, they used her dining room table to conduct experiments.

"She came back with a B-plus in my class," Baier recalled.

The young lady went on to get a degree in psychology and is now working with unwed mothers.

Baier also is very active with his church. He and his wife, Joan, a special education teacher, live in Clarendon Hills. His daughter, Brigid, is a physics teacher at Fenwick High School in Oak Park.

In his years at Glenbard South, Baier has worked tirelessly to improve the physics curriculum. He developed numerous innovative labs to help in teaching, and has provided counsel and guidance to new physics teachers.

Meanwhile, he often is seen at school functions, cheering on his students.

Baier sees every day how teachers can contribute to society.

"In some small way, you're helping to form the next generation," he said. "You're part of the process that continually reforms and renews."