Teach Happy History and More

With over 20 years of experience in the classroom, I've had the privilege of teaching students across all grade levels from 7-12. My days are filled with the energy and curiosity of young minds, as I navigate through 7 class periods each day. Here's a snapshot of the diverse and engaging subjects I currently teach: American Government World History World Regional Geography World War II (Elective) Civil War (Elective) Foundation of America (1763-1789) (Elective) America's Role in a Changing World (1945-Present) (Elective) Psychology of Happiness and Wellness (Elective)

I firmly believe every student in my classroom has the potential to learn at a high level, and I hold each one to high expectations. The cornerstone of allowing students to meet these expectations lies in building strong, individual relationships with them. Experience has taught me the importance of content in fostering critical thinking. We cannot expect our students to think critically without a solid foundation of knowledge. There's a misconception that teaching content is outdated or unnecessary, but I stand by the belief that a robust foundation of content knowledge is essential for our students to thrive in a complex world. Time and again, the students who excel the most are those equipped with the most knowledge.

I've had the privilege of participating in several enriching teaching programs that have significantly deepened my understanding of the subjects that I teach and these programs have also enhanced my teaching practices. These experiences have not only provided me with invaluable resources but also connected me with a network of passionate educators and historians. Summer Teacher Fellowship on the War in the Pacific: This unique program, sponsored by The National World War II Museum and Nicholls State University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and extending to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, offered an immersive experience into the complexities of the War in the Pacific. It allowed me to explore key historical sites and engage with experts in the field, enriching my curriculum with firsthand insights and primary sources. Catherine B. Reynolds Civil War Washington Teacher Fellows: An unforgettable experience sponsored by Ford’s Theatre, Tudor Place: Historical House and Garden, President Lincoln’s Cottage: At the Soldiers’ Home, the National Park Service, and Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. This fellowship provided a comprehensive exploration of Civil War Washington through site visits, workshops, and collaborative research, enabling me to bring the era to life in the classroom with greater authenticity. House Fellows Teacher Program: Sponsored by the House Historian for the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., this program offered an exclusive look into the legislative history of the United States. It empowered me to teach about the U.S. legislative process and history with a richer, more nuanced perspective, directly benefiting my students' understanding of their government. These programs have been instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching history, allowing me to create more engaging and informative lessons that inspire students to explore the complexities of our past. I am grateful for these opportunities and eager to continue integrating these experiences into my teaching to foster a deeper appreciation of history among my students.

- Wayne State College - Bachelors Degree - University of Nebraska at Kearney - Masters Degree

In recent years, a perplexing trend has emerged in education that equates expertise with distance away from the classroom. It strikes me as odd that the further one is from daily interactions with students, the more they are revered as an 'expert' in the field. My experiences, particularly at conferences where I often find myself as the sole presenter still actively teaching, have reinforced this observation. This has led me to approach classroom resources with a healthy dose of skepticism, especially those created by individuals who haven't engaged with students directly for years. It's a simple truth that not everything that appears effective on paper translates well into engaging and valuable classroom activities. Despite these challenges, my commitment to crafting lessons that captivate and benefit both you and your students remains unwavering. Together, let's continue to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our educational approaches remain grounded in the reality of the classroom