Sacramento math teacher speeks in VA

(U-WIRE) BLACKSBURG, Va. -- In celebration of the first Hispanic Month, a math teacher of underprivileged children in California spoke to the Virginia Tech community about inspiring, motivating and teaching children.

Jaime Escalante, a native of Bolivia and teacher for 11 years, delivered a speech Wednesday night in Squires Student Center about his experiences as an educator.

"I dedicate my time and my life to teaching respect, discipline and honesty," Escalante said.

Surrounded with drugs, gangs, teenage pregnancies and high-school dropouts, Escalante said he wanted more from his students. He said his students listened to his teaching and became winners.

"If we expect kids to be losers, they will be losers," Escalante said. "If we expect kids to be winners, they will be winners. I expect my students to be winners, and they are winners."

Teachers shape the lives of students, Escalante said. They must have the memory of an elephant, understanding of a psychiatrist, wisdom of Solomon and distinguish between pushing and encouraging a child, he said.

The movie "Stand and Deliver" depicts Escalante's experiences as a teacher of underprivileged children.

"I'm not a movie star -- I'm just a teacher," Escalante said. "Believe me, I'm proud to be a teacher."

Escalante said he incorporates his heritage into teaching.

"Ganas," a word from his native language, roughly translates to desire in English, but means much more to Escalante.

It means the desire to learn, sacrifice, improve and work hard it represents a belief and lifestyle, he said.

"I teach kids to find 'ganas' in their lives," he said.

Escalante said he met with parents to explain the expectations he sets on his students.

"I tell them to tell your kid 'I love you,' touch your kid and devote time to your kid," he said.

He said transforming inner-city children into successful students raises challenges, but by repeating motivational phrases these students become winners, over time.

"You must learn from your mistakes -- people are watching you," Escalante said. "Hard work makes the future, and you can make the future," he said.