Gloria Ladson-Billings - Teachers Make a Difference - Mrs. Binn

The transcript recounts a student's initial reluctance to be taught by Mrs. Ben, a teacher perceived as stern and old. However, Mrs. Ben's inspiring and inclusive teaching methods, which included taking students around the city and teaching them Latin songs, won the student over. She was also subversive, teaching black history under the guise of US history, which the student found exciting and enriching. Mrs. Ben's approach left a lasting positive impact on the student.

What was the narrator's initial impression of Mrs. Ben?

• She was very young and friendly.

• She seemed old and stern.

• She was known for being lenient.

• She was a new teacher.

How did Mrs. Ben challenge her students?

• By taking them on city tours.

• By organizing sports events.

• By giving them extra homework.

• By pushing them to their limits.

What unique method did Mrs. Ben use to teach history?

• She invited guest speakers.

• She used only textbooks.

• She showed historical movies.

• She incorporated black history stories.

What precaution did Mrs. Ben take while teaching black history?

• She asked a student to watch for the principal.

• She used code words.

• She locked the classroom door.

• She taught it after school hours.

What was the narrator's final opinion of Mrs. Ben?

• She was too strict.

• She was an inspiring and beloved teacher.

• She was not very effective.

• She was forgettable.