April 10, 2008

Community Maker

Lonny Weissman is writing the code for a first-place teacher

By Shana McLean Moore
Staff Writer

Many of us carry the memory of a teacher who went so far beyond the job description of subject-matter instructor that many of this teacher’s lessons have stayed with us a generation after we left their classroom.

Lonny Weissman, left, holds the Woodie Flowers Award presented to him at the regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Dennis Jenks, right, poses with his award for Outstanding Volunteer.

Their optimum blend of knowledge and passion for the subject matter, comfort and ease around young people, clarity of presentation and strong sense of character left an indelible mark on our younger selves.

While we probably appreciated these teachers when they were current fixtures in our lives, it’s safe to say that we revere them even more as adults. And when we are lucky enough to see our own children benefit from this kind of role model, the gratitude grows exponentially.

Lonny Weissman, Pioneer High School’s math teacher and coach of FIRST Robotics Team #668, The Apes of Wrath, is precisely that kind of teacher and coach to his students and their grateful parents.

It appears that the robotics community agrees. Weissman was recently awarded the regional Woodie Flowers Award, which celebrates effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. Weissman is now a finalist for the Woodie Flowers World Event.

Weissman’s team nominated him for the award because of his six years of outstanding mentorship of the team. His letter of nomination praised not only his “extensive experience with machinery and electronics,” but also his ability “to explain engineering concepts to the basic learner and also assist more experienced students to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of robotics.” He guides students but also encourages them to work independently, while engaging all ability levels—not just those who can get the job done fastest.

Team captain Mary Sheridan finds Weissman to be a great mentor. “He works with students in a way that really makes us feel like we are making a contribution to the team and makes us determined to try even harder to do our very best. He has, without a doubt, brought out the very best of this team.”

Fellow team member Rahil Mehta agrees. “When I first joined robotics, I knew absolutely nothing about robots. From Mr. Weissman, I learned how to properly wire a robot, perform basic mechanics and work as a team. He certainly deserved the Woodie Flowers Award, because he is a great mentor,” Mehta said.

Adults are equally as impressed. Dennis Jenks, BAE Systems Mechanical Engineer and fellow robotics mentor, says that Weissman is, perhaps, the most dynamic teacher he has come across in the 10 years he has mentored FIRST teams. “He has just the right mix of determination, perseverance, compassion and a strong moral compass to ensure not only that our team is competitive, but that the kids learn the importance of competing in an upright and moral fashion along the way.”

Co-team manager and robotics’ parent Carol Sheridan commends Weissman’s invigorating approach to instructing the students as he encourages and challenges them to do their best. “Lonny gives all team members an opportunity to participate and is fair and understanding of their needs,” she said. “Putting in the time and effort he does with the team shows his dedication to teaching and instills values in the students that they will use throughout their lives.”

Fellow co-team manager Laura Hall goes as far as to say that without Weissman's leadership, the robotics program at Pioneer would not be as outstanding as it is. “He gives tirelessly of his time and effort to ensure the program not only survives, but continues to grow and thrive. He is an excellent mentor to the students, not only with his extensive knowledge of electronics and mechanics, but also with his enthusiasm. We are very fortunate to have him as our adviser,” said Hall.

Weissman’s interest and enthusiasm for FIRST (standing for: “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology”) Robotics is so great that he was the driving force in developing a formally taught robotics class at Pioneer. After receiving approval from the administration, Weissman designed the curriculum to model a college-level robotics class that expands on the learning that goes on in the after-school robotics program. His robotics class fulfills the requirements of a University of California and California State University science elective. Pioneer High School is the only school in San Jose Unified School District to offer such a class.

Weissman is, without a doubt, one of those special teachers who will stay with the students of Pioneer long enough to set the standard for the type of teacher they want for their own children some day. Student Hanna Burnham will remember Weissman as “one of those teachers who is always there to walk you through difficult problems, then supporting you when you try it by yourself. He always encourages you to do the best you can do, then pushes you to do better.”

Thank you, Lonny Weissman, for your dedication and enthusiasm to the young minds of Almaden and its surrounding neighborhoods.