Michael Rossman
Michael Rossman taught at EB from 1984 through 2003. For 20 years, he inspired students to explore and question the world around us, and to find wonder and beauty in overlooked places.
To share a memory of Michael Rossman, please send an email to alumni@eb.org. It will be posted to this page.
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"To the average adult, the neighborhood surrounding Ecole Bilingue seemed dilapidated and neglected. However, Michael Rossman was far from average. He saw an enchanted wilderness sprawled before us just waiting to be explored. I will never forget following his long, flowing, silver and black pony-tail and his rugged calloused bare feet through the streets of Berkeley during our after school science walks. He showed us the beauty of nature that lay around us from a stream of ants marching into their dwelling to picking sourgrass and tasting its citrusy stalk.
Michael’s unusual teaching style taught us to see that science was a part of our everyday lives and he encouraged us to take an active role in uncovering its secrets. His irregular approach allowed us to study science in a way unlike students at any other school. Michael instructed us to bring in road kill for dissection, so long as it was in good condition. Thanks to one of the students in my class, we were able to dissect and learn the inner workings of a fox.
To this day I still recount fond memories of learning science from Michael to my friends. I knew him as an extraordinary science teacher and mentor. He was a unique and cherished teacher who will be dearly missed by the Ecole Bilingue community. Michael was adored by every student who came through his classroom and we will never forget the tremendous impact he had on our lives."
Elizabeth Hoyt, EB class of 2000
"Chris and I were saddened to hear about Michael’s passing. His approach to teaching was one in which students could appreciate the subject in the world around them and he was able to foster an enthusiasm for science among his students despite their young age. What stands out most though, was his understanding of the unique nature of those young minds and his through his interactive approach to learning he was able to make what can be a difficult subject, a fun and exciting experience. He encouraged questions and participation over discipline and rote memorization and his support in Peyton’s education, helped to provide her with the confidence that she has had in her academic career through middle school and high school. We feel fortunate that our daughter Peyton had the opportunity to be one of Michael’s students.
Sincerely,
Lisa Breuner "
"My name is Natasha Ali though Michael Rossman knew me better as Tanya. I was a student of his in the late 80s and very early 90s. I have always remembered him more as a friend than a teacher. I don’t remember much that he taught me about science other that a curiosity and love for it. But what I do remember and have always remembered was the grater lesson he was trying to teach. He taught me to love life and to live it with curiosity and without fear. He taught me that only though love and chances was life truly full. He taught me to explore and embrace life. And always to regard it with wonder. I remember I had a very rough time with my peers when I knew him but he never saw me as less, and he never made me feel like less. I always felt he was a friend. I am glad that during my high school years I sought him out and told him what a valuable treasure he had given me in my life and how I had and have kept it dear. I wish I had kept in better contact and I wish I had known he was ill but in a way I am glad I never saw him ill. My most recent memory of him old as it is, is the best I could hope to have. And I believe it is how he would want me to think of him. I remember seeing him at his 50th birthday party. He was so full of life with his hair down and his feet bare and the biggest smile on his face. He was wild and in love with life just as he had taught me. I will hold that in my heart forever. I have always loved him with all my heart for who he was and the gift he gave me in his teachings. I will continue to love him forever and his joy and love will never die. When it is as vibrant as his was there’s no way it ever could."
-- Tanya Ali, Class of 1996
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