Think: history teachers. What comes to mind? A memory of a boring, monotone lecture and a stuffy personality ebb up. However, if these are the things that you associate with history teachers, then you obviously have not met Dr. Ken Mayers. When this man walks into a room, it’s as if he has brought the sun’s energy with him. Dr. Mayers’ passion for learning, his unmatched enthusiasm in teaching, and love for his students make him one of the best teachers at Bergen County Academies.

For thirteen years, Dr. Mayers has astounded students with his intelligence. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in General Arts and Sciences while completing a Pre-Med curriculum while also studying literature, history, and philosophy. For his graduate work, Dr. Mayers studied Comparative Literature at UCLA. Dr. Mayers also studied at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Grenoble, France and at the Ecole de Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, France. “Dr. Mayers is one of the smartest people I know,” says BCA sophomore Maggie Fitzpatrick.

Dr. Mayers’ career at BCA began when he visited the school when there was only a freshman and sophomore class. He fell in love with the school, as the students, the technology, and the philosophy of the school. In fact, he was lured from sunny California to what-exit New Jersey. Already, his dedication was evident.

Now, Dr. Mayers teaches four classes, including his Sequential Art elective, the Ancient History project, Early America, and US History II. Students in all classes rave about Dr. Mayers’ unorthodox yet extremely effective teaching methods. “His teaching is really hands-on, not just reading from the textbook,” says Sean Mulligan, who has taken Dr. Mayers’ Early America class. “I’m learning the most I ever have.”

Not only does Dr. Mayers’ enthusiasm and spirit lie in the classroom, but in other activities as well. He takes part in the BCA Math Team, runs the Academy After Hours program, is involved in Mission: Bossou, and is the advisor to the BCA chapter of Amnesty International.

“[Dr. Mayers] is very passionate about what he does,” said Adam Milano, an Amnesty International club member. A perfect example of this dedication is under Dr. Mayers’ direction, Amnesty International holds benefit concerts to raise awareness about stopping violence against women.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Mayers via email where we discussed some of the things that I was most curious about his intriguing personality.

Majchrzak: Do you enjoy teaching history?

Dr. Mayers: Yes, of course! For me, history and literature are similar, because they are both about making sense of life by telling stories; in other words, they are both ways to approach the traditions of human culture. With history, there is the added challenge of confronting and seeking something we might call "the truth." Teaching history, I especially enjoy the varied activities and ways that students can learn, along with the connections to current events.

Majchrzak: What would your "dream job" be and why?

Dr. Mayers: Teaching at BCA is very rewarding; I guess the "dream job" would just be more of the things I like most (more electives, more international travel) and a little less of the things I don't like (mundane chores). It would also be nice to have time for research.

Majchrzak: You are very involved with Amnesty International and human rights. What made you want to become involved in this particular cause?

Dr. Mayers: Competitions are a big part of our extra-curricular activities, but trophies and contests are not that meaningful to me personally. I prefer acting to truly change the world, taking on the real challenges of the most urgent problems -- to actually serve the community, both locally and abroad, rather than spend all of our extra time with "mock" and "model" activities.

Majchrzak: What high school did you attend and what was your favorite subject?

Dr. Mayers: I attended the State College Area High School, graduating in 1977. I like a lot of subjects, including math, lit, history, and German. My favorite school activity was being a Thespian.

Majchrzak: In your opinion, what are the 3 keys to success in life? How have they affected your own life?

Dr. Mayers: The first key, as Joseph Campbell used to like to say, is to "follow your bliss." There are things you want to do in your life, and you will know what they are (little things, important things), so you just have to have faith in your inspiration and go ahead and do those things!

The second key, quoting Rabelais here, is to "vivez joyeux!" This is the Renaissance way to understand carpe diem, or "seize the day!" Rabelais says, don't just seize the day -- magnify it -- live joyously.

The third key is to learn from the past and let it go. When you've learned from the past, then you can let it go -- history lives, and memory keeps it alive, so you don't have to hold on to it.

Majchrzak: What are some of your hobbies or things you enjoy doing in your free time?

Dr. Mayers: I love the arts, I love nature, and I love to hang out with my bohemian boon companions.

Majchrzak: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Dr. Mayers: bon-vivant

Majchrzak: What is the most effective way to teach students? What is your favorite way?

Dr. Mayers: The best way to teach students is to give them everything they need to learn and then to encourage and support them. My favorite way is to let them choose their own research path and tag along as a coach. "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." (Mark Van Doren)

Majchrzak: What is your favorite color?

Dr. Mayers: Pink-gold-and-blue-all-sparkling

Majchrzak: What is your favorite food?

Dr. Mayers: Spicy!

Majchrzak: What is your favorite quote (and who said it)?

Dr. Mayers: "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt" -- Sylvia Plath



Dr. Mayers continues to be an inspiration for those of us who pursue academics and human rights causes. We take example from this man whose un-relentless energy and passion motivates students to be the best they can. “Dr. Mayers is simply one of those guys who just wants to share as much knowledge as he can with you,” says Benjamin Miller, who takes Dr. Mayers’ Sequential Art class. “If he can teach you one thing that you’re interested in, then he’s happy.”