Distler, James

Name: James Distler
Subjects: Technology education, engineering studies
Education: undergraduate degree at University of
Maryland, master's degree at UMD and Salisbury University, doctor's degree at Temple University
Came to Blair in: 1997
Previous Jobs: educational consultant, engineering professor, four years at Takoma Park Middle School
Hobbies: reading, traveling, photography, camping, cooking, woodworking Extracurriculars: Lego program, Robot team, Technology Challenge

Technology and engineering teacher James Distler feels that working with high school students has increased his understanding and tolerance for teenagers, which has helped him successfully raise five of his own.

Teaching has been Distler's amibition since high school, where he was greatly affected by his technology education teacher. "He is and continues to be my inspiration. His advice made a positive impact on me as a student and throughout my adult life," Distler says of his former teacher. Distler explains that he wanted to teach so that he could have an impact on others.

Distler's teaching experience spans many levels education. Before coming to Blair, he taught at middle school and college levels. Distler has also worked as an educational consultant in the Washington area.

Distler especially enjoys his job at Blair because he sees the school as being progressive. He appreciates the influence he has over the engineering program and academy. "I like it here because I can develop [the] program the way I see fit," he says.

Distler says his students are his favorite part of teaching. "Kids are the best. They keep me young, they keep me jumping," he says. Distler feels that he is a successful teacher because he knows how to listen to his students. "I have kids who are never heard by their parents, teachers, administrators, counselors, you name it," he says. "I'm caring and I listen. That makes a world of difference."

Distler feels he is best able to connect with his students because is always honest. "They know I say it straight; I say it like it is. They know I'm a man of my word, and I hope they'll be a student of their word," Distler explains. He also says that he always gives his students the benefit of the doubt when making decisions. "I [always] have their best interest at heart," he says.

Distler grew up on the Eastern shore, where he has lived ever since. He graduated from James M. Bennett High School in 1967, and obtained his undergraduate degree from University of Maryland. He then received his Master's Degree at UMD and Salisbury University, and obtained a doctorate degree from Temple University.

Until recently, Distler lived primarily in Talbot County, where he commuted to the DC area every morning. Distler now lives in Gaithersburg during the week and commutes home to the shore on the weekends. He says he doesn't mind the two hour commute each way to and from Talbot County, given that he gets to spend time with his family. "Anything for my kids. Just as long as I get to see them," he says. Distler, who is happily married, has two sons and three daughters. The ages of his five children range from 15 to 34.

Distler recalls his experience in college as one that has left a life long impact upon him. "I went to college in the 1960's, during the Civil Rights Movement. I never knew the way the world could be. I saw crosses burnt on campus, and rocks thrown at students; all sorts of discrimination based on sex, race and color." He attributes his college experience as to creating a "markable change" on how he deals with racism today.

Distler feels that technology is important to the real world because it helps find a balance in today's society. "Technology affects our lives daily. It causes our society to survive or it could cause a negative [effect] and kill us all," Distler contemplates. He feels that amidst today's expanding world of cell phones and personal computers, technology is important to maintain a balance. He is glad to be at Blair, teaching that balance to many eager high school students from all over Montgomery County.