Barry Jaffess
Data based on 1 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of -1
Just pay attention in class. It's really informative, and although it is mostly a history class, you won't have to memorize much if you can wrap your head around the context, events, causes, and results.
Additional Comments
Class of -1
Background: Exactly 10 years ago, I was an exchange student in the US and I got placed in Briarcliff Manor, NY. For some reason, I was assigned by AFS to Ossining High School, since it was closer to my host family's house (about a 1-mile walk). A great experience overall. Now about this teacher: My exchange program required me to take one English class and one US-gov/history class. I took Mr. Jaffess's US History class (7th period, right after Spanish and lunch), and it was the most informative and enjoyable course I took in OHS. Mr. Jaffess really mastered the content of his lessons up to the point where he could explain it and simplify it even to a Tunisian 17-year-old who only spoke English as a third language (Yours Truly, back then). Thanks to him, I got to learn about the Founding Fathers, the Boston Tea Party, the War of Independence, the Continental Congress, the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War, and all these things. He was really sharp in terms of critical thinking, too. We learned about slavery, the Trail of Tears, etc. and Mr. Jaffess always had something insightful and critical to say and add. He encouraged us to write essays and articles (I recall writing an imaginative article about life in East Germany under pro-Soviet rule, at one point). He had a rough year then (I recall his brother-in-law passed due to Lipoma(?), then some crook was using his little children's names to get credit cards or something like that), and still, Mr. Jaffess showed up to class and taught in the best possible of ways. Thanks to him, I had the level to finally take the Regents Exam. Then, as all good things end, my exchange year was over and I went back home to Tunisia. Fast-forward a couple of years, I get done with my BA in English Language, Literature, and Civilization, and decide to take up an MA course. So... What do I choose to work on? Culture Studies, US Studies to be specific. I was ahead of everyone on that program (in terms of US and Irish Studies at least, but not so much in UK studies) and I had a better understanding of the basics, thanks to a course taught to me years before by none other than Mr. Jaffess. I got done my thesis about year and a half ago and I defended it well. I also did a few more studies in the science of education. I am now an English teacher at a local private school here in Tunisia, and I teach a US culture course as well. Once I establish myself in this career, I may pursue a PhD program... I haven't been a teacher for more than a couple of years, and I can see how unrewarding this job can be. However, I would like to thank Mr. Jaffess for everything he has knowingly and unknowingly done for me and a lot of other students to get somewhere in life. Quite the inspiring educator, solid guy, and great human being. P.S. if there are any typos, I'm writing this half asleep at 2 o'clock a.m., right after grading about 80 tests. I'm too tired to check and proofread. Sorry.