Robert Ross
History Department, Outstanding Educator 2002-03
The following are just some of the words used to describe Bob Ross and what he has meant to his students:
"Mr. Ross's enthusiasm for teaching combined with his passion for history made a potentially boring history class thought provoking and interesting.... His vivid descriptions of historical events and his amusing anecdotes about everyday life put a human face on the past. He wanted us to go beyond understanding historical happenings, to really understand the time period - the people, their views and fears and goals.... He approaches every day with energy and eagerness. He talks to his students and treats them like intelligent people, really listening to what they have to say. I think that Mr. Ross is inspiring both as a teacher and a person."
"I was never really interested in politics or what went on in the world, but during my senior year I wanted to take advantage of some of the electives DHS had to offer. I had had Mr. Ross for AP US History as a junior and really enjoyed his class more than I had expected, so I decided to take his International Relations course. It was the most all-inspiring experience I've had. Mr. Ross taught the class with such a love for the subject, you couldn't help but get sucked in. Mr. Ross has changed my mind on foreign policy, and I now plan to major in International Relations when I go to college."
"When I think about my junior year at Davis Senior High School, and all the stresses of SATs, SAT IIs, AP tests, and everything else that went along with preparing for those tests, I also remember my favorite part of my day; the A.P. History class of Mr. Ross.... He valued our opinions, inspired us to ask questions, and for the first time in my life, he made the subject of history interesting...."
"...Mr. Ross is a devoted teacher who truly cares about his students.... Mr. Ross brought American History alive to my class through the use of anecdotes, interesting facts and his many personal stories. Mr. Ross wants his students to understand that American History is more than just names and dates. By understanding the underlying trends that occurred in our nation's history we can better understand the world we live in today...."
"...Mr. Ross is one of the most dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic teachers I have ever met. Not only did he do a wonderful job at teaching the material but also he motivated me to learn. Time and time again he has shown his sincere concern for his students and our community. Not only has he encouraged me to work hard but also ... to assist underprivileged people in our community...."
"...Mr. Ross, with his own special blend of subtle wit and obvious love for his teachings, is undeniably one of the best teachers I have ever had."
"Mr. Ross is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic teachers I have ever had.... Though History was one of the most challenging classes I have ever taken, it was also one of my favorites. He had a story for everything, and often dramatized his stories for the class. Not only did he teach us the history, and help us to connect it to the present, but also made us love it. It was his class that convinced me to apply to college as a history major. His International Relations class has given me a lot of insight into the crazy events of the international community. I have never learned so much from a teacher as I have learned from Mr. Ross."