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SIEGFRIED ENGELMANN Obituary

ENGELMANN--Siegfried, 87, died peacefully at his home in Eugene, OR on February 15 of heart failure. A pioneering scientist and educator for more than 50 years, he invented an efficient and effective way to teach reading, writing, math and many other important skills. As a professor of education at the University of Oregon and founder of the National Institute for Direct Instruction, he attracted graduate students from around the world. He wrote more than 100 programs, collectively referred to as Direct Instruction, covering the core academic subjects from preschool to high school. Millions of at-risk children learned when taught by teachers trained in his methods, often when nothing else worked. He never gave up on a child or blamed children for the failings of adults. He lived by his motto: "If the student hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught." He was predeceased by his ex-wife, Therese, and is survived by their children Eric, Kurt, Owen and Joyce, 13 grandchildren, four great-grand- children and his companion, Lou Bradley, and her son, Devin. Donations in his name can be mailed to The Engelmann Foundation, PO Box 448, Eugene, OR 97440.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 3, 2019.

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4 Entries

Chuck Baxter

February 27, 2023

I come from a family of teachers who taught me to put the child first, Zig taught what to do about it. He taught me to effectively teach all students the necessary foundations, in order that they were able to later independently teach themselves.

Chuck Baxter

April 23, 2021

Some time has past since family, friends, and field has weathered the loss of Zig, who probably contributed more in in the field of education than any single person period! It would seem the greatest way we may show our appreciation is to do everything we can to assure his ingenious work does not pass on with him and without the lives of todays children.

Chuck baxter

March 8, 2019

It was in 1968, I saw Zig masterfully teach six, supposedly, unteachable first graders. His genius in that moment changed my life. He gave me a direction I needed. For the past fifty years, whenever I had questions about improving my skill in teaching children or in training teachers to improve their DI skills, he always had time for me. I will miss him and his magical skill. My thoughts are with his children and family.

Mary Eisele

March 4, 2019

His belief was simpleALL students can learn. When he said ALL, it wasn't ALL with an asterisk but ALL as in every single student. I feel fortunate to have worked closely with Zig over the years. He was a mentor and a friend. His absence is felt by so many but now it is our turn to carry on the legacy he so courageously laid out for us.
My thoughts and prayers are with Zig's family and many friends.
Dedicated to the future, while honoring the past...
Mary

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