TEACHER'S CORNER: HECHT THINKS PREPARATION VITAL TO LEARNING

JACKSON -- Dan Hecht, who teaches history and current events classes at Jackson High School, believes in making education fun and fulfilling. For Hecht, who also is an assistant baseball coach, the quotation: "Preparation Prevents Poor Performance" provides a basis for teaching and living.

"That's something I try to abide by and instill in my students," he said. "Overall, I just love my job and I hope it rubs off on my students."

Hecht is in his fifth year of teaching. He said he doesn't use any new teaching techniques. Instead, he likes to observe what works with other teachers and incorporate some of those techniques into his own curriculum.

"I have had the opportunity to observe and work with excellent teachers, so I've tried to take a little bit from each and blend them with my own personality," he said.

Hecht said he became a teacher because most of his favorite role models were teachers. They seemed to share a love for their jobs, he said. They also shared qualities such as intelligence and an ability to communicate well, and they all seemed to care about their students.

One of his favorite co-workers is also his mother-in-law, Frances Dooley. The two met while Hecht did his student teaching at Jackson High School five years ago.

One day, Dooley asked Hecht to bring a picture of himself as a high school student. The photo Hecht brought showed him playing in a basketball game.

"As we looked at the picture, Dooley let out a scream and pointed to the bleachers in the background," he said. "Near the top sat Dooley, her husband and their daughter, Jennifer. I soon met Jennifer, and within one year we were engaged to be married."

In his spare time, Hecht enjoys spending time with his wife and other family, reading and going to church. He is also a long-suffering football Cardinals fan.