Commencement John Hoerster

John Hoerster, English teacher

Oak Park and River Forest High School Oak Park, Illinois

When, early in her college career, Anjanique (Jana) Barber ’19 contacted her high school English teacher John Hoerster seeking a recommendation for a summer job, he responded: “You can consider me a recommendation for life.” This affirmation is characteristic of Hoerster as a teacher and mentor, Barber says, and of his commitment to the students who enter his classroom. Hoerster’s Advanced Placement English class was an intellectually challenging and emotionally comforting space for Barber, “like the dinner table with your family; the conversation would be rich with laughter, thoughtful comments, and a few jokes here and there.” It was also a much-needed space for fearless conversations about race and identity. As one of the few black students in her classes, Barber appreciated Hoerster’s unwavering dedication to making his classroom a place for honest and compassionate discussions not only about literature but also about life and the divergent experiences of students of color at the school. By listening and understanding, “he aided me in becoming a stronger and more confident student and person,” she says. “In the way he lives life, teaches his students, coaches his [football] team, and cares for every single student of color who walks into his classroom, John Hoerster will forever be an inspiration to me.”