Inside technology and engineering teacher Don Whitman’s classroom

“Mr. Whitman is a really outstanding teacher,” said NCHS Class of 2026 graduate Tommy Wade. “In the classroom, it really does show that he takes the time to care about us and care about what he’s teaching. He’s deeply involved and wants to just make not only us better students, but better people.”

Anyone who’s taken one of Mr. Whitman’s classes knows three things: He’s got an unexpected sense of humor, he drives a minivan, and his motto is “hands-on, minds-on,” which he demonstrates in the classroom each and every day.

“He’s very interactive with his students,” said Elijah Banta, another Class of 2026 alum, who observed Mr. Whitman’s classes as part of the Introduction to Education program. “Honestly, it’s nothing else like I’ve ever seen.”

Hands on, minds on

All of Mr. Whitman’s classes start relatively the same, whether he’s teaching a freshman introductory course or a senior advanced class. He’ll present the day’s topic, give a brief overview of the learning objectives, and then, likely no more than 10 minutes later, turn the class over to the students. For the remaining time, they will dive into a hands-on activity that challenges not just their dexterity, but also their intellect.

Mr. Whitman said that since he started his career 27 years ago at the old NCHS (now Kingsley Junior High School), he has spent every day — morning, noon, and night — thinking of how to make his lessons “hands on, minds on.” It’s his motto and mantra, a nudge he uses to remind himself that learning should be both mentally and physically stimulating.

“What I noticed, and what you can see, is that their minds turn on, the light bulb turns on,” he said. “They’re engaged, and they’re excited, and it truly sets students up for lifelong learning. They are going to remember these hands-on activities we’re doing.”

Really, his motto is an evidence-based approach. “Hands on, minds on” is muscle memory, the idea that performing a physical act, in particular in repetition, will make concepts more likely to stick around. His students can attest firsthand to its strength.

J Aldeman, an NCHS Class of 2026 grad, called Whitman’s method of teaching “an effective teaching tool,” and praised his approach to student learning.

“Mr Whitman really embraces the idea of engineering as a discovery, which is really what it is in the industry,” J said. “He allows us to explore and find things out for ourselves, and he allows us to get stuck and need to ask questions sometimes.”

When questions do arise, J joked that Mr. Whitman is often there before you even realize you need help. “He knows exactly when to come over,” J said and chuckled lightly. “He can just tell, and he’ll come over and give us the exact right amount of feedback. Not tell us the answer, but help us along.”

Beacon of knowledge

Students and staff alike at NCHS will seek out Mr. Whitman for guidance. NCHS Technology Teacher Mr. Sam Wurster said Mr. Whitman’s institutional and field knowledge is outstanding. It’s Wurster’s goal to learn as much as possible from Mr. Whitman before he retires.

“He is on the go 24/7. He has a motor that doesn’t stop,” Mr. Wurster said. “The guy can fix anything.”

From a student task to a teacher’s busted wheel (true story), Mr. Whitman is the go-to for side projects. In his minivan, which he self-reports to “do truck things with,” he keeps an arsenal of supplies at the ready. Students will tease him about the vehicle, often considered the “soccer mom car,” but that doesn’t bother him.

“I am a minivan driver, and I am proud of it,” he said.

He plans for his final car to be a minivan, and for his job at Normal Community to be his last. However, all good things must come to an end, and Mr. Whitman admitted that retirement is on the horizon. Until that day comes, though, he remains steadfast in his educational mission — so pick up one of his courses while you still can.