Role: History Teacher (AT American Public History, Global Issues)
Other Hats: US advisor, history department chair, curriculum committee chair, and Model UN coach
Fun Fact: I am an avid record collector (I have about 1200 records at home). I have a turntable in my classroom (four at home), and play records for students while they are working as well as to begin class. This year, I offered an Exploration Course on vinyl.
Favorite Assignment: The AT American Public History final Capstone Project. This project allows students to choose any topic in American History that has interested them throughout the year and design a project to share with the Derryfield community. It requires them to think about their topic and their experiences with various forms of communication throughout the year to choose the best form for their final project. They do real, authentic research and they develop wonderful projects. In the last two years, I’ve seen a choose your own adventure video game about turn of the century immigration, a series of escape rooms about military leadership in the Civil War, a podcast about the relationship between religion and (anti-)slavery, and art installations about the history of drag in New York City. Students have produced period newspapers, virtual exhibits, and everything in between. The creativity the students show and the passion they exhibit in researching topics that really matter to them make the project essential.
Favorite DS Tradition: The Winter Musical. I spent three years working as the Production Manager for the theater and I have fond memories of it. It’s wonderful to see another side of students I have in class who have talents I’ve never seen.