 Robert Bishop has taught the Gifted and Talented students in the Boise School District for eleven years. He is known in Idaho for performing as the Math Magician and training teachers how to improve math skills in students. Bob is a certified trainer by the Jensen Learning Company (training professionals with the most innovative Brain-Based concepts). He speaks at many Math and Gifted conferences yearly. He has been one of the major speakers at the Edufest conference at Idaho for ten years. Not only has Bob served as an educational consultant but he has been a creative consultant for Hewlett-Packard and a communication speaker for Idaho Power. He speaks at many summer camps and brings his magic shows to conventions, company picnics and county fairs.
You may have seen him performing at Boises Discovery Center or leading the Magic of Chess workshops in which he is president. During the summer and in the evenings he teaches Boise State University and University of Idaho classes. He has written many books and taught many classes on math, chess, creativity, and problem solving. Bob has also taught in public and private elementary, middle school, and High School.
He also leads one of the largest chess clubs in the city at Cynthia Mann Elementary School. He has recently spoken in four schools in Taiwan, Sun Valley Idaho, and as a creativity consultant for the schools in • New Jersey • Detroit • Pasadena • Anaheim.
One teacher who has observed Bob for years has said: |
 Bob Bishop's special skills as an educator, creative teacher, author, curriculum developer and professional magician put everything he teaches into sharp focus. His research abilities, creative style, high energy deliveries, practical applications and humor make him a sought-after presenter.
After teaching junior high, senior high, college and adult students for over a decade, Bob has been well received as a popular presenter for seminars, conventions, camps, and retreats. He has served not only as a teacher but as an administrator and educational consultant. This mixture of experience as a magician and educator makes his presentations a unique blend of entertainment and sound pedagogy.
Bob cannot be categorized in just one field. To follow him around for any length of time is to be amazed at his multi-dimensional talents. One might find him presenting magic at a birthday party or presenting table-side magic at a restaurant. The next day one could find him leading a day-long seminar of corporate managers or a room full of elementary school teachers.
When you watch Bob, it is obvious that his desire goes beyond entertainment and instruction. Watching him work with a group of students, mixing magic and mathematics, is to be amazed at his ability to completely involve a very difficult audience. Those who participate in his workshops are invited to go beyond the ordinary boundaries of thought. He stimulates curiosity, creativity and a confidence in those that he works with, whether they be children, teachers, or engineers for major corporations.
- Nick Johnson, teacher |
| What Your Colleagues Are Saying About Bob Bishop |
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This has been the most energizing seminar I have ever attended in 37 years as a teacher. The book is absolutely awesome and every page is a true gem. I’ve been feeling very burned out but now I feel that I can do my best again. I wish all my administrators and teachers could benefit from Bob’s energy and message. Thank you for letting me see that there are still educators who believe in children as people and not as numbers on a chart. I have decided not to retire!
Diena Hurtado, Teacher, Anaheim, California
Bob has a unique way on engaging his audience- whether they are children or adults. They are captivated by his humor, his intelligence, and gentle manner. Bob teaches in such a way that the participants don't even realize they are being challenged and taught something at the same time. I would attend any workshop or class Bob taught, knowing that I will come away with more skills and knowledge than when I walked in-- and have fun while doing it! Sue March, 6th grade, Cynthia Mann Elementary
When Bob Bishop teachers he is articulate, expressive, and engages the learner in the adventure and discovery of learning. He does not give easy answers, but uses a variety of methods and style to lead the learner to explore the topic at hand. Young or old, Bob Bishop prompts the learner into new territory where learning is once again, fun, worthwhile, relevant, and meaningful." Scott Ziemer, Teacher/Counselor |
Bob performs magic |
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The exposure to the wit and wisdom of Bob Bishop has indelibly impressed upon me his dedication to his students and effective teaching, his commitment to include humor in his presentations and personal interactions, and his personal high standards of achievement for himself and his students. Observing Bob will stimulate recollections of Socrates and Aristotle-Socrates for his incessant use of questions, and Aristotle for his demand for evidence for student opinions.
Larry Rogien, (Education Dept. Head Boise State University) |
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I hope I live long enough to witness the dissection of Bob Bishop's brain. It takes genuine creativity to be as bizarre as he is and survive in public education. His wit and enthusiasm are instantly engaging to teachers and students alike.
Bobbie Beckman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
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Bob Bishop is a master at actively involving students in his presentations. He uses boundless enthusiasm, energy and humor to rope the kids in."
Jennifer Hunt 4th grade teacher |
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Bob Bishop, math wizard extraordinaire, presented his hallmark math antics, games, and puzzles before parents and students at our first family math. The cafetorium was packed with kids having fun with numbers. We gave Bob and the event a 10. The kids loved the wizard and so did we!
Debbie Hertzog, PTA President, Seven Oaks Elementary |
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Bob, you believe that EVERY student & teacher has some creativity hidden somewhere inside of them. You have a knack for digging it out of a person without them even knowing what you are doing!
Sandy Racine 3rd grade teacher
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Bob Bishop's creative curriculum have helped me time and again ever since I began this job. Most recently, I attended his breakout session on improvisational acting techniques at Edufest 2007 and immediately implemented what I learned. It became the best part of my GT students' days! Of course it was fun, but more importantly it gave the students lots of practice with public speaking and a much greater facility for taking the lead into the unknown.
Maria Manning-Floch, gifted teacher |
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