David Herr

A professor to emulate

By Kim Hayes ('00)

During spring semester of my junior year, I took a block course for my minor in special education because I had heard it was a good course to take. Well, that class not only met my expectations, it surpassed them and introduced me to Dr. David Herr, one of the best teachers I have ever encountered. Now, after taking hundreds of courses, that classroom behavior management course is one class I will never forget.

A professor of exceptional education, Herr won a JMU Distinguished Teacher Award in 2007, and it is not difficult to understand why. He is an effective teacher who is willing to go above and beyond standing in front of a classroom to lecture. For instance, each year he photographs his students to ensure that he learns their names.

It is obvious that Dr. Herr loves his job by the way he conducts himself in class. His incredible energy and liveliness seems to capture student attention, and, of course, there never seems to be a dull moment in his class. He constantly moves around the room, and, at times, has even stood on a table or chair while lecturing.

Dr. Herr is definitely passionate about teaching, and he shares stories with students about his family and keeps students up to date about what's going on in his professional life off campus as well. His stories about his work with Madison teachers and students are inspiring while also emphasizing the information he teaches in the classroom that is relevant to the lives of his students beyond the classroom.

I hope my career path will lead me in a direction where I can work with children, and when I step onto that path, I would like to emulate Dr. Herr's strong dedication and boundless energy. Throughout my academic experience, I have seen wonderful teachers making a difference their students' lives, and I feel fortunate to have been in Dr. Herr's class. I have tremendous respect for him as both a professor and role model.