TEACHER WHO HELPED INSPIRE UNGIFTED NAMED FINALIST FOR TOP TEACHER ON LIVE WITH KELLY & MICHAEL

John Motchkavitz, the teacher whose robotics program was the inspiration for the robotics class in UNGIFTED, is one of five finalists for the Top Teacher competition on LIVE: With Kelly and Michael. “Motch” invited me to spend an entire day in his robotics lab at Great Neck South High School while I was researching the book, and texted me countless pictures of Mecanum wheels, lift systems, and other parts while I was writing. UNGIFTED would be a much weaker book without his generosity.

But Motch is much more than a fantastic teacher and a helpful friend. As a volunteer firefighter, he was one of the first volunteer responders during the 9/11 attacks.  Afterward, he took a leave of absence to spend days in the rubble, assisting in the search for survivors.

Catch Motch on LIVE: With Kelly and Michael on Tuesday, May 13th. Then, voting is open from the 16th-19th. Let’s give this remarkable human being the recognition he deserves! For more information on how to vote for Motch, CLICK HERE!