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​Parents and Students,

Thank you for taking the time to browse the website to become more familiar with the courses I teach at Bolich & Roberts Middle School. Below I provided some information to help both students and parents get to know me a little better.

 

EDUCATION

I began teaching at Bolich in 2011 upon finishing my student teaching at Wadsworth High School, where I taught World Geography and Economics. I graduated from the University of Akron in 2010 with a dual major in Education and History accompanied with a minor in Economics. Prior to college, I attended and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 2001 and today I’m a proud alumni. In addition to teaching in the district, I am also the head coach for the high school boys’ soccer team.

 

MY CLASSROOM

If you were to experience my classroom, you would more than likely find yourself in a democratic classroom environment, student led, driven with energy and excitement to tackle daily learning goals. Yes, democratic! I give 14 year old, 8th graders the option to take control of THEIR education. My beliefs as a teacher are to assist and guide students towards a stronger appreciation and understanding of their academic responsibilities. I have found in my short history as a teacher that the more accountable students are made, the greater their success in academics.

 

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As a social studies teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to expose children to the origins of our society today. Answer big questions! Why do we live the way we do? Why do we think the way we think? Through the concepts of sociology, psychology, economics, geography and history I encourage students to connect the dots and analyze historical events to better understand social reasoning in the present and future. Although a “social studies” course has developed the impression of a “fact and date memorizing” history course….I strive to offer much more!

 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students are asked to use critical thinking skills to identify “big history” concepts and create present day connections. Students will close their text books, analyze primary and secondary resources and recognize traditional and untraditional perspectives in attempt to bridge gaps between past and present cultures. My expectations for students may seem high, but I can assure you they are attainable.

 

Lastly, I invite YOU (parents) to visit my classroom, visit your child’s learning environment and most importantly, BECOME ENGAGED! Ask your child questions about their day in class. Assist in their learning and help them make connections with past and present. Tell them the stories, “when I was your age….”.

 

If you would like to find a way to become more engaged in our class, please feel free to message me. Again, thanks for visiting.