Teacher's Dedication Keeps Kids Inspired BY HANNAN ADELY
Ritz, a Norwood resident, began teaching special education at MS 319 in University Heights three years ago, bringing with him a 10-gallon fish tank. "We now have 2,000 gallons in fish tanks," Ritz explained. "The kids knew what they were doing. They took care of the animals and, before we knew it, it took off." Now, the classroom is also home to chameleons, iguanas and a 14-foot snake. The biodiversity center is one of many projects Ritz developed in his classroom to keep students engaged and excited about learning. His dedication and unique approach to teaching has had a major impact on students' enthusiasm and grades and has earned him several notable teaching honors, most recently the Chancellor's Caring Community Borough Award, given annually to one person in each borough. "Mr. Ritz is an energetic, dedicated and creative educator who attracts students, parents and community members into the exciting world of education," wrote Nancy Berlin, supervisor of Special Education at MS 319, in a letter of nomination for the Chancellor's Award. Ritz grew up in Norwood, where he attended PS 94 and played basketball at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center. After graduating from the State University of New York at Purchase, Ritz became a teacher in the south Bronx in 1984. The 37-year-old also taught in Arizona, where he earned a Teacher of the Year Award, and from 1995 to1999 taught education at Fordham University. Last year, Ritz received the Disney American Teacher Award and also received citations of merit from Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer in 1999 and 2000. Collaborating with local business and big corporations, Ritz managed to secure 75 computers for his students to take home and also arranged over $10,000 in donations for science materials for the biodiversity center. Maintenance fees, which cost over $100 a week, come out of his own pocket. "I spend more on groceries for the animals in a week than I do on myself," Ritz said. Ritz takes much of the learning outside the classroom. He and his students have canoed the Bronx River and visited the New York state reptile show. Ritz also organized a deep-sea fishing trip and took 40 kids on a five-borough bicycle tour. To make sure his kids stay challenged, Ritz arranged for students to go into the Science Technology Entry Program at Fordham University and helped secure academic summer camp scholarships for four students. He also took five students to attend Small Business Administration classes at Hostos College. All his hard work is not lost on these students, whose reading and math scores have soared, according to Ritz and parents. "Believe me, the change in my son is incredible," wrote one parent in a letter to the principal. "Richard's reading and math levels have gone from several grades below to nearly grade level in just seven months." When student Miguel Zelaya first entered Ritz' classroom, Ritz was warned that he liked to fight and that he couldn't read or write. With Ritz' help, Miguel's performance improved dramatically. Now a freshman at DeWitt Clinton High School, Miguel has been moved out of special education to mainstream classes and recently won a district science award for a project on changing pH in tap water. Miguel and high school student Ronald Davis, who also won a district science award for a project on starfish regeneration, regularly visit Ritz after school and help out at the biodiversity center. "I go back to visit because I like the way he teaches the kids," Miguel said. "And I like to take care of the animals." Ritz believes students flourish in his classroom because they feel valued and empowered. They become computer technical aides and animal experts. Once, students even nursed a sick boa constrictor back to health. Ritz, who brims with optimism, is a firm believer that success is a necessity rather than an option. "People say District 10 is in such turmoil," Ritz said. "Sure, there are a lot of problems, but my kids are willing to learn on a daily basis. It's how you engage them." Ed. note: To contribute to the biodiversity center, call Stephen Ritz at (917) 873-6449.
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Stephen Ritz' students can
name dozens of types of fish, tell you where they're from, what they eat,
and how they mate. They also know all about snakes, lizards and other
animals, having learned firsthand at the biodiversity center located right
in their classroom, thanks to the innovative work of their teacher.