Tuesday, December 5, 2017

A Visit to Dachau {Vlog}

Travelling to Germany this past summer with Go Global NC was truly an amazing experience.

As I am teaching about the Nazi era of German history (in my American History II course) for the first time since my return, it is cause for reflection.
One of the greatest gifts from the trip was that each of us (teachers) were required to either, A. write a reflective blog post for a certain day, or B. record a video blog entry (Vlog).

Being an avid blogger (written), I decided to try my hand at a Vlog.  Luckily, I recorded my Vlog immediately after visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp of Dachau.  It was the most emotional experience I had while in Germany, and I am pleased that I was able to reflect on it for posterity.

Per their website, "On March 22, 1933, a few weeks after Adolf Hitler had been appointed Reich Chancellor, a concentration camp for political prisoners was set up in Dachau. This camp served as a model for all later concentration camps and as a "school of violence" for the SS men under whose command it stood. In the twelve years of its existence over 200.000 persons from all over Europe were imprisoned here and in the numerous subsidiary camps. 41,500 were murdered. 

Monday, October 23, 2017

Relationships (build the better teacher)

My (younger and better looking) colleagues, Wil Maney, Tony Dezio, and I were invited to the ECET2NC conference this past weekend in Charlotte, NC.  Funded by the Gates Foundation, this conference promised new ideas, and inspiration.  Wil Maney and I were both especially excited to go, because we were selected based on our mentor (veteran teacher, me!) and mentee (newer teacher, Wil!) relationship.   I would argue that the conference had some great moments, but also suffered due to time constraints.

But the crucial takeaway from spending two days with great teachers from all across the state of North Carolina is...


  1. THERE ARE SOME REALLY AMAZING TEACHERS IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.  And, 
  2. Relationships are still everything.  


Through all of the programming and speakers at this event, what most inspired me was meeting other teachers, getting to know them, and learning about them.  From there, I became interested in their teaching.  And we developed trust.  As our relationships developed, our ability to learn from each other increased.  This was also true for Wil Maney, Tony Dezio, and me as well.  We learned more about each other, and when our conversations touched on teaching and learning - they were so much more meaningful.

We discussed more about our issues as a public school teacher than ever before, and by the time we returned home - we had some new ideas about our approaches to teaching, to learning, and to our leadership potential (coming soon!).  And we learned to trust each other's ideas, and know that we would each be taken seriously.

But most importantly, we are closer.  We are better friends.  And we have new friends from Wilmington, Raleigh, Charlotte, and even right here in Asheville.

So, how do we make better teachers?  I'm still not exactly sure, but I know how to start..

Relationships and trust.


Sunday, September 10, 2017

High Fives and Rock n Roll

Every new year I create new goals for myself - both personally and in the classroom.  And though I am required to document my "official" goals in a "Professional Development Plan," I also like to seek growth in other areas of teaching that fall outside of the traditional lines.
This year the goals are simple, continue to build the culture in my classroom:

1.  I am going to greet every student as they enter my class with a High Five, every day that I can.

2.  I will use music for everything that I possibly can.

So, I LOVE to give high fives, and I also love to connect with my students - so daily greetings are great, but they also enable me to also carve out some time to have a chat, ask about their day, or just notice how they are.  Relationships are everything, and daily high fives are just another chance for us to get to know each other.  More importantly, it is hard not to smile when giving a high five.  So, opening our day with a smile means it is a worthy cause.

As for music, I have been using loud music since day one of my teaching career, from quiz songs to class introductions - we rock out.  But, this year I am hoping to expand my practice to include songs that signal interludes as well.  So far, Rob Base's It Takes Two means quiz, and The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army means its time to play the Grahamy's Review Game ( I was even able to visit The White Stripes record label this summer...and get a picture with...an actual Grammy...it all came together nicely ;)

So needless to say, I am excited about this school year - and so far, handing out  High Fives and Rock n Roll has been just the start we needed.


Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The Ties That Bind {Family Edition}

My classroom door: Family means all are welcome.
The thing is, I just LOVE being a teacher.  I love meeting new students, getting to know their families, decorating my classroom, and planning lessons.

But what I love the most is becoming family with these kids - learning to believe in each other, to inspire each other, tolerate bad moods, and laugh together.


But with the news of late from Charlottesville, I am more energized than ever to teach. Witnessing any resurgence of the beliefs espoused by the KKK and Neo-Nazis is terrifying for our society, and even more demoralizing for teachers of the social sciences.

The suspect accused of killing a counter protester in Charlottesville was recently described by (none other than) his high school history teacher, who said "This was something that was growing in him,” Weimer said. “I admit I failed. I tried my best. But this is definitely a teachable moment and something we need to be vigilant about, because this stuff is tearing up our country.”

Have we Are we failing our communities by not being more effective teachers of inclusivity?

Have we failed to reach the most vulnerable students among us?

The footsteps of the Selma to Montgomery March, Civil Rights memorial
AP History field trip, 2016
As many have said, it is a fact that these hateful beliefs have existed in our country for many, many decades. Our class trip to the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery AL was certainly a shocking confrontation of that truth for our students, and for us teachers.

And it also true that the rise of the internet has played an important role in allowing these hateful beliefs to fester, with like-minded people. This has helped create the false notion that hate is not a fringe concept, but more of a political stance. This is a lie.

I feel lucky that my primary curriculum is AP World History, as the entire course is about how it has taken the entire world to create what we are today.  And that the process continues, as we learn from one another.  But it is (obviously) not enough for me to simply retell my students historical events from around the globe. I must work harder to create an environment where diversity is an asset to us all, and hateful speech is never, never accepted.  

I believe in public education, and I believe that I can make a difference.  I am fired up, and ready to go.  Here's to a new year, creating our new family, and a new commitment to my class goal, which remains:



The goal of this class is multifaceted, but overall we will attempt to
develop a more complete understanding of world history by: Exploring the

Ties that bind ALL cultures together, igniting curiosity, and
encouraging individual creativity through the study of history




Thursday, July 6, 2017

Deutschland Dispatch # 7: Reflection

The Brandenburg Gate, ( Yes, where David Hasselhoff performed)
How did my travels to Germany make me a better teacher?


1.  My increased passion.  My students respond best to me when I exude my passion for a particular topic.  If nothing else, my time in Germany ignited a deep passion in me for Europe - and starting this Fall I will increase my coverage of Germany in my day to day classroom discussions.  And not only in the historical sense, but more in a cultural awareness understanding.  I can more honestly answer questions like: How tall is the Berlin wall?  Are the German people friendly? What is the food like? Did you see Hansel and Gretel? etc.
(answers: Not as tall as you think, As long as you are not late, meat and potatoes, No, though I looked).
Me,o n top of the Reich stag building, Berlin 2017

2.  Long -lasting relationships with quality educators.  This trip to Germany has been some of the best professional development I have ever experienced.  The main reason?  The people that I met.  I am first and foremost, a relational learner - and I learn best when I am in a group of people.  Dialogue and conversation dominated this trip to Germany for me, and I learned SO MUCH from these new friends.  This will have a positive and direct impact on my students, as I will be able to bring new methods, ideas, and approaches to my classroom.

The Soviet army, on top of the Reichstag building, Berlin 1945
3.  Modeling a life of travel and adventure. I want my students to see beyond the four walls of the classroom.  I want them to know that the wider world is the best place to learn.  And that we learn best when we are taken out of our comfort zone, and experience new things.  So, my main priority is to live that very belief.

4.  Seriously unpacking the North Carolina public school system.  Two of the things that jumped out at me the most in Germany include: The complete lack of technology in German classrooms, and the unabashed student tracking of the school system.

Studying these differences, it elicits more questions for me, including:

  • Why are we giving every student in our school system a device?  Is it worth it, and is it increasing student learning?  And if so, why are the Germans (who are well known for their tech and engineering prowess) not following suite?
  • Does placing students in separate schools after the fourth grade pay dividends?  Is the German system set up to support kids strengths?  Or is the system merely maintaining societal class lines (all middle class kids attend one of the two top schools)?
  • And what about the university system?  The fact that the German universities are free changes the game.  Whereas, the intense tracking of the lower grades can correspond to socio-economic distinctions, the fact that an achievement score on your final exams (usually completed after 10th grade) means entrance to any university that one chooses, is amazing.


So, overall, I left Germany with a head full of new ideas, inspiration, and many new friends.  But I also returned home with more questions, which tells me that the trip was a worthwhile endeavor - and an experience that will continue to bear fruit for me and my teaching for many years to come.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Deutschland Dispatch # 6: Munich is Amazing.

The "new" Rat haus in Munich, with famous Glockenspiel
Driving from Freiburg to Munich is an incredible experience, namely for the view of Lake Constance, with Switzerland on the other shore. Though I was initially focused on this being the setting for the infamous Council of Constance (1414) where Moravian founder Jan Hus was executed, the beauty of the region became overwhelming - and was undeniable.

Entering Munich, it was clear that this city takes its architecture seriously.  Around every corner there seems to exist another amazing building, most of which are either churches or palaces built by the Bavarian kings (Ludwig or Maximillian).

Free day in Munich, by bike
We stopped at the Olympic Park (constructed for the 1972 Olympics, which turned into a nightmare due to the terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes) where we ate lunch and took in an extreme sports showcase...which was awesome.  From there we traveled to the BMW headquarters (in a building built to look like a four cylinder engine no less), where we learned about the famed German apprenticeships.  And it was as impressive as advertised - seeing 16 year old students completely immersed in the BMW business, and learning the skills while on the job.  Our group seemed unanimous in our appreciation for it, and discussed the opportunities (and barriers) to implementation in the USA. It was also a relief to meet students who were not necessarily University bound, as we had spent much of our time learning about the Gymnasium schools, and University systems.

A surfer on the Eisbach
By day 2, we truly started to drink deep from Munich - we walked around the city, explored on our own - and navigated the U-Bahn.  Seeing the famous Rathaus and glockenspiel, walking along the Isar River, and consistently finding amazing Turkish food was the order to the day.

Eventually we found the famous English garden, a massive park (larger than Central Park) that stretches for miles.  In addition, it is a favorite local haunt, and being around all of the everyday folks from Munich made me feel most at home.  Sunbathing, tossing frisbee, and (of course) soccer games were taking place as far as the eye could see.  The park is dotted with pedicabs, monuments, and the river.

The English Garden bike riding gang
Overall, it was clear that the English Garden was the coolest place in all of Europe, and we had to return the next day.  So, on Sunday -we rented bikes, and headed out.  We decided that we needed to emulate the locals and take a dip in the extremely cold river, the Eisbach that runs through the park.  (Munich has created a fast flowing channel, with man made waves that allows for surfing.  But many folks also just jump in this channel and allow the fast current to carry them down.)  So we did it, and it was exhilarating, though cold.  (But upon getting out, I quickly realized that my wedding ring...was gone!  Indeed the extreme cold of the river had allowed it to loosen, and now it sits somewhere at the bottom of a German river.  Initially, I freaked.  I looked for it to no avail, but my friends all made me feel better about it.  I decided to try and find a new one while in Munich- to no avail.)


The Doner- Turkish food in Munich
Concluding this trip is bittersweet, as I am so excited about seeing my family at home, yet hate to see this experience end. After ten days in Germany with 29 friends, who started off as strangers, my concluding thought is simple:  Everything is about human connectedness.  Everything we do is driven by relationships with each other.  From the deep depths of emotion that I experienced in Dachau, to the thrill of leaping into the Eisbach river in the English garden - the ties that bind these emotional experiences together remain my feelings towards those that I love.  Walking into the crematorium at Dachau was an overwhelming fear of loss.  Swimming in the Eisbach was joyful, as it was a shared visceral experience with 10 of my friends.





Monday, June 26, 2017

Deutschland Dispatch # 5: Dachau.

The entrance to Dachau
While in Munich, we took the (way too short) drive to Dachau.  The first concentration camp built by the Nazis, Dachau became the model for most subsequent camps.  Architecturally, it checked every box that you probably expect a Nazi concentration camp to check: barbed wire, grey, stark, low ceiling buildings, and a feeling of hopelessness.  Upon entering, it is clear that this is no ordinary memorial.  Instead, everything that we did simply felt like a funeral for those who suffered and died.  It was quiet.

The infamous "Work makes you free" sign.
The feeling of despair was most potent, and it was hard to shake.  Today there are many memorial gardens, and houses of worship dotting the area - but the feeling is still there. Especially when touring the crematoriums (with their ovens, and fake showers), and the execution firing ranges - it is mortifying.

The Dachau concentration camp is located a mere 18 miles from downtown Munich - one of the largest cities in all of Germany.  It is surrounded by neighborhoods, and a small town (sharing the name Dachau).  When the US forces liberated this camp in 1945, they required all residents of the town to tour the camp and see the horrors.  In addition, the residents had to help bury the dead.  In many ways, this was the most terrifying element for me - as it was simply not very hard for tyranny to succeed.  The longer I was there, the clearer it was just how out in the open this process actually was.  Due to public complacency, and more likely, abject fear - it was borderline easy.

But the nation of Germany has worked harder than most to shine light on these horrors.  Again, we visited a massive concentration camp where some of the worst horrors were ever committed by man.  And it goes back to how I felt in Berlin - this country is so intent on using its own history as a tool to grow.  Though painful, as an historian, I can not applaud this sentiment more.

I walked away in tears, as I thought about my own family and loved ones.  But as I walked, I became more resolute to fight my own complacency in the face of tyranny, and hopelessness.  This tour made me even more grateful that I am a teacher, a profession that remains most crucial for the betterment of the human race. I hope that I can play my part well.

Never again.





Friday, June 23, 2017

Deutschland Dispatch # 4: I Love Freiburg

One of the old town gates of Freiburg.  The site of a medieval with hunt.
Freiburg, Germany immediately felt familiar to me, as I would compare it to my city of Asheville, NC.  It is located on a river, in the middle of the famous Black Forest.  Just 20 minutes from France, it is well known as an outdoors Mecca of sorts, attracting hikers, kayakers, students, and liberal types from all over Germany.  They lead Germany in sustainable living, which we took in first hand by touring the communities of Vauban, and St. Peter - each of which are two of the most environmental friendly communities in Europe.  We were also fortunate enough to hike through the Black Forest (home of Hansel and Gretel) and learn about the massive wind turbine that provide much of the energy for the area.  It was beautiful ( and reminiscent of home), as well as inspirational.


In addition, Freiburg is a university town, and it shows.  The University of Freiburg brings in thousands of young people, who populate the town with an amazing energy.  In the evenings, as we strolled through the city in search of more ice cream, we were inundated with young students who sat with their bare feet in the shallow water channels, or bachle (which are about 2 feet wide, 6 inches deep, and run throughout the old city, apparently for fire fighting in the Middle ages), drinking beverages and talking.

Market day at The Freiburg Cathedral
It was during our stay in Freiburg that our group truly hit our sweet spot, and we all came to absolutely love the city.  By that point, we had all been together for 3-4 days, and we fell into a groove with each other.  Travelling became easier, and it was clear to all who among us was best with German translations, map navigating, or filming.  Folks were able to recognize other people who traveled at their respective pace, or who enjoyed similar activities. Everyone consistently demonstrated a touch of grace with each other (which was especially impressive in the 90 degree heat, with no AC), and hugs became much more common in Freiburg.

Language Barrier?  Soccer makes it all okay.
We attended numerous lectures at the university, and the heat was (unfortunately) sweltering.  That said, we all received numerous perspectives on the German education system (from teachers, university professors, and students) - and this provided a perfect catalyst for rich discussion among all of us. Notably, while at the University we were introduced to students who were recent refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.  We listened to their stories, and learned more about the German government's decision to welcome millions of refugees in 2015.  We then had lunch together, wherein I once again learned that when a common language is a challenge (my German is awful, and they are still learning English) - you talk about soccer, which we did (For those of you keeping score at home, they cheer hard for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively - though all of us agreed on the merits of Messi)...and it was awesome.
Black Forest

And therein lies the brilliance of this professional development: take 28 qualified teachers to a foreign country, provide them opportunities to learn about schools, and create space for discussion and reflection.  at its end, you will have 28 teachers who return home with new ideas, criticisms, and inspiration for their classrooms.  If your lucky (which I have been), they return home as great friends as well.


The Bachle of Freiburg




Thursday, June 22, 2017

Deutschland Dispatch # 3: Stuttgart and Herrenburg

Herrenberg.
I confess that for as much as I appreciated my three days in Berlin, I was ready to travel to a different part of Germany.  We flew to Stuttgart in the early morning, and immediately attended a meeting with the minister of education for the state of Baden-Wutenburg. It was extremely informative (though extremely hot).

Stuttgart
Afterwards we spent some time in the center of the old city. There we visited the old castle (13th century). It was so fun to watch the mood of our group shift dramatically- taking more pictures, and generally showing so much excitement for these truly historic parts of Germany.  Stuttgart very much fulfills the traditional paradigm of an old European town, and we all recognized that we were no longer in ( the more international and modern) Berlin.

Our visit to Gymnasium was enjoyable, as we were able to meet with teachers and students for quite a while.  I felt very much at home at this school, as I was able to meet Jonathon, who teaches tenth grade geography.  Being in his class with 16 year old German kids was like being at any given day in my class. The students asked great questions about the USA, including  “Does everyone carry a firearm?”  We talked a lot about how large and diverse the USA is, usually discussing the differences between Texas and NYC.


But the greatest discovery of our trip came in the evening as we ended up in the small town of Herrenburg (founded, 1278), due to a last minute hotel switch. A few of us decided to walk through the town, where we discovered an amazing medieval town, complete with immaculate houses, narrow streets, and a cathedral with a glockenspiel. We took in the sunset, grabbed an ice cream cone, and explored.

As John Lennon said, “Life is what you get when you don't get what you expected.”

And he was the walrus, so who am I to question it?

Deutschland Dispatch #2: Berlin

Starting our trip in Berlin has been an intriguing experience. As much as I love being in a European capital, Berlin has a unique spirit about it ( which was easy to understand, as EVERYTHING is in English). Exploring the city with the group (i.e: navigating the U-Bahn, language barrier, and trying new foods) made for quick bonding, inside jokes, and friendships forged. I am quite sure that these new relationships will be my most valued souvenir from this trip.


Though I loved seeing the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag building, and the amazing parks, the city carries a heavy, heavy weight of history. Specifically, the Soviet influence on Berlin remains palpable. The socialist architecture, sculptures of Karl Marx, and memorials (specifically at Treptower Park) are all a testament to the historic influence of the USSR.

At the same time, what most impressed me about Berlin was the German people's eagerness to embrace their history (to the point of even preserving the Soviet graffiti in the Reichstag building from the fall of Berlin in 1945), and tirelessly shine a light on the horrors of their Nazi past. Not once did I witness a “whitewash” of history in Berlin.  Instead, I experienced a consistent willingness to engage with that past, and to emphatically say “never again.”  I am so impressed, and it is a lesson from which all of us can learn.

Traveling with 27 other public school teachers with Go Global NC is refreshing. Being surrounded by teachers who care deeply about the craft is always inspiring, and this trip is no exception. But visiting the JFK School in Berlin illicited such great conversations with my new friends about teaching, and new perspectives. Seeing how the Germans “do school” is every bit as interesting and informative as I hoped it would be.

 I left Berlin with more questions about our education system, a deep respect for the German people's historic self-awareness, and (most importantly) 28 new friends.

On to Baden-Wurtenburg...

Deutschland Dispatch #1: Why Germany?

Why travel to Germany?

On day one, sitting in the Newark airport, looking at pictures of my two boys at the pool - I confess that I am struggling to remember why I chose to leave for ten days, and travel to Germany. As I have never been away from my family for this length of time, it stings. But I will push on, because man I love to travel. I love it all: the moving sidewalks, bad food, security weirdness- it is my jam.

So, Why am I going on the trip anyway?

 1. Because William Faulkner says “the past is never dead. It Isn't even past.”  To understand our world, we have to live it. What we are experiencing today will tomorrow be the past, so we must drink deep. Traveling to Germany is a huge step in that effort.

2. To teach it , we have to model it. It is my hope that my students see the world as something amazing to explore. At the core, I intend to return to my classroom with a fresh experience that I can share with my students.

3.  I have taught for 17 years. At this point, it is crucial that I consistently find new catalysts for inspiration. Never one to rest on my laurels, this trip is already turning my gears. Meeting so many of these great teachers from across NC, and seeing a new country is just the ticket to help me grow as an educator.

So here's to Deutschland!!  And here's to growth...

Monday, June 5, 2017

Building a Culture

How to we build a classroom culture?  And how important is it?
2017 Champions League

Over time, I have come to believe that any teacher can avoid numerous daily classroom issues, as well as create fertile ground for inspiration, if we can successfully create an environment in our classrooms that rewards creativity and curiosity, while empowering students to take on leadership roles.

Culture starts with our ability to establish social norms and values.  Once we have made clear to our students what will be valued and rewarded, and what will not be tolerated - we can begin the long process of "selling the vision" to our students.  If nothing else, we must be great salespeople.  We must never forget that our ability to create buy-in from our students will create the culture to which we aspire.

In my experience, the experts in this field (of building a culture) are summer camps.  Daily, summer camp staffs figure out creative ways to engage kids, and they are adept at creating a culture that rewards community, friendship, and fun.  They use games, music, and entertainment.  They make camp t-shirts, and have meals together.  So, I am a firm believer in this model - and have not only drawn inspiration from it, but worked diligently to translate it into my classroom (though not always successfully).

I have tried to institute this in numerous ways, below are examples:


Be Yourself/Authenticy:
The first step in building a classroom culture is to make sure that I am being true to myself.  As the leader, and the person who sets the core values in the room - it is most crucial that my students know me, and understand that I do not mind making mistakes, being ridiculous, or laughing at myself.  In addition, I incorporate my personal;l interests into my class, modeling my passions for the students.  My hope is that each student will feel free to be him/herself - and will bring his/her individuality and gifts to our community each day.


Praise Academic Prowess/High Standards:
Concerning academic rigor and accomplishment, I use "The Champions League" and public distribution of "high score candy."  Named for the elite European Soccer tournament that only includes the best teams form each European nation, I created it to reward students who score an A on all five of the AP World History Thematic (Unit) Exams.  The Champions League is quite an accomplishment.  To that end, We make a HUGE deal out of it - posting the list of students in public, and hosting a ceremony at the conclusion of the class (which we just did this past Friday) to hand out certificates and prizes.  We play awards show music, and just generally celebrate these kids and their accomplishments.

Use the Senses:
Culture needs to be all encompassing, and it must be a sensory experience.  To that end, I use classroom murals, and a constant barrage of music, whenever possible.  I use my guitar to teach, and we sometimes learn class dances, depending on the lesson. Typically, we start class with a song on the stereo - as it sets the tone.  We also identify one song per year to act as the "quiz song."  (This means that whenever this song is played, we will have a quiz at its conclusion).  This year's Quiz Song?  Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas ( For the record, Quiz songs by year: 2016 - You Make My Dreams Come True, Hall & Oates, 2015 - Hooked on a Feeling - Blue Suede, 2014 - Low Rider, War, 2013 - Austin Powers Theme, etc.)

Class Historians/Value the Past:
To ensure cultural memory, we choose class historians.  These students (selected by their classmates) are in charge of documenting any and all moment throughout our class that are significant.  Other students will often instruct these historians to write down certain things that are particularly funny, or meaningful,  in our time together.

Make a Shirt/Tell Your Story:
At the end of my AP World History class, we make the class t-shirt.  The cumulative work of the class historians is documented on the back of the class t-shirt, acting as a historical document of our time together.  This helps instill a sense of pride in what we have created.  It also helps remind us of our strengths, and our community, for years to come.

Teamwork, Play Games Together:
In my class, we play games...a lot.  The most notable one is the Grahammys (G.G.R.ammys), a days long review game that tests one's academic, trivial, physical, and performance abilities.  The students compete on teams, and choose names.  It scores build over the semester - but more importantly, it builds friendships, rivalries, and community.  We also go outside to play games like World Cup, Capture the Flag, or egg toss, depending on the lesson.
NBHS Students at Ellis Island, NYC

Class Field Trips:
At the conclusion of each year, we take our AP History classes on a massive field trip to a place as far from our own culture as possible.  Essentially, it is a challenge project to help our students see new places, and empower each of them to gain confidence.  We strongly encourage all of our students to go, and it helps build an environment of tolerance, and leadership.  We have traveled to Chicago, Philadelphia, DC, New Orleans, Atlanta, Montgomery, Baltimore, and New York City.

Eat Together:
Food brings people together.  So, whenever is is called for, we eat together.  From the cake of Africa, to the cultural guidebook project - we try to incorporate food into our days.

And this stuff ( above) will not always work.  Sometimes none of it will work.  And so we have to be willing to change, and find new ways to build a culture....which remains the most important tenet in building a culture.




Friday, May 26, 2017

New. York. City.

84 Teenagers in NYC.  It was amazing.

Half of us at St. John the Divine

Ellis Island Museum

Strawberry Fields, Central Park

China Town

Brooklyn Bridge

Wall Street

We successfully moved 84 students through the NYC Subway...TWICE

The Guggenheim Museum


Thursday, May 4, 2017

The World Cup {Its in the Curriculum now!}

In a serendipitous series of events, the College Board added the World Cup to the "list of things to cover" for the AP World History Exam.  I, being a lifelong soccer fan, have been more than pleased to teach world history through the lens of the beautiful game.  And most of my dear students are probably sick and tired of hearing my comparisons of all things historic to either rock bands or soccer teams, but alas - I have a good reason to talk soccer now.

So, for those who may not know, the World Cup is an international soccer tournament held once every four years.  It was created (like the modern Olympic movement in 1896) in 1930 to be a peaceful way for nations to interact and compete.  Before 1800, soccer (er, football) had only been played formally in Britain (where it was invented).  But by 1900, the British Empire had conquered almost 25% of the earth, bringing with them their laws, tea, Christianity, Cricket, and...Soccer.  While Cricket continues to be the most popular sport in India and Pakistan, soccer (with its simplicity) took over the world.


Nowadays, soccer is the world's game.  Not only is it easily the most popular sport on earth - but it most often acts as a great "international language" of sorts, enabling people from all across the world to come together in peace.  My youngest son knows more players from Africa and Latin America, than he does from North Carolina.  

In addition, the World Cup provides a chance for developing countries (and the B.R.I.C. countries) to compete on the international stage.  (Point in fact, Brazil leads with five WC titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four, and Argentina and Uruguay with two each).

This has resulted in many countries angling to host the World Cup, as it is the world's most viewed event for one month.  And countries who are currently looking to extend their international profiles have been the most recent hosts, including South Africa (2010) Brazil (2014), and Russia (2018).  To be fair, the Olympics, Cricket, and even (the growing international popularity of) Basketball play similar roles in the world now.  But soccer remains undefeated, and the World Cup remains the crown jewel.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Sticky stuff {The Whitehead Model}

"The justification for [education] is that it preserves the connection between knowledge and the zest of life, by uniting the young and the old in the imaginative consideration of learning" - Alfred North Whitehead
For many years, I have held a firm belief in the work of the philosopher/educator, Alfred North Whitehead.  Overall, he argues that great teachers are able to build their instruction around three steps. These steps include: Romance, Precision, and Generalization.   

Here is what it looks like:
Step One Romance (Selling It):  Here is how Whitehead describes Romance: "The primary acquisition of knowledge involves freshness, enthusiasm, and enjoyment of learning."  Meaning - when we (as teachers) first introduce a concept, our most important task is to sell it, and create student buy-in.  "What we are about to talk about is amazing! and here is why..."  Great teachers are often great salespeople.
Step Two, Precision (Practice):  This is the boring, though necessary repetition of skills and practices that come with any new skill.  Whitehead warns educators to be mindful not to overuse this, as it is a romance-killer...

Step Three, Generalization (Sticky Stuff):  Here is how Whitehead describes this: It is the moment of educational completeness and fruition, in which general ideas or, one may say, a philosophical outlook, both integrate the feelings and thoughts of the earlier moments of growth, and prepare the way for fresh experiences of excitement and romance, signaling a new beginning to the educational process.  
This (Generalization) is my favorite part.  If we do this well, we use the students' newfound knowledge and understanding to reconnect them to the romance of it all, inspiring them to live into their curiosity.  This is challenging, to say the least.  So, this is often the moment when I look for "sticky" activities, that allow the students to use their knowledge (gained from Precision) to connect to wider influences, and provide context and meaning to what we have learned.  Equally, the activity of choice needs to make the information stick in their minds, so that they can see its interconnection throughout their lives.  

I usually fail at implementing Whitehead's strategy on a daily basis - but it is my goal.  From time to to time though, it all comes together.  Baking and eating the cake of Africa for the Conference of Berlin, or creating human statues for the various Latin American Revolutions certainly helps the content "stick" - while providing some fun in the process, which is what most often makes anything stick.  

Either way, I love trying to make it connect - and I am not afraid to fail in front of my students.  They usually just laugh at me.  Which means that sometimes my failures become some of the stickiest stuff..






Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Germany, Here I Come... {DEUTSCHLAND, HIER KOMME ICH}

This June, I am headed to Germany.  I was lucky enough to be selected by Go Global NC to receive the Beattie Grant, which sends NC teachers to foreign countries in order to build connections, learn about the different education systems, and experience the culture.


It requires some pre and post educational work on my part - but it is a subject about which I am passionate, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity.
In my application and subsequent interview, I spoke about how I hope that this trip will change me - so that I can be a better teacher for my students, and a better person overall.  And that is as honest as I can be about my expectations for this experience.

Teaching and travel?  In one ten day trip to Germany.

Dreams do come true.

Friday, January 13, 2017

The Flags of Our Community {which are International...}

My AP World History class is taking on a new cause.  We are purchasing flags for every country in which our students were born, to hang and display in our school cafeteria.

We started by reaching out to all of our faculty and staff, asking for help identifying students who may have been born outside of the United States. We learned that although our high school, like many in North Carolina, remains made up by mostly a homogeneous demographic of suburban and rural white families - our ethnic diversity is growing rapidly.


As a class that spends our time each week together studying how the wider world impacts us, and how we impact the wider world - it is clear that we need to celebrate the ties that bind our community together right here in Weaverville, NC.  And what better place to start than with an individual recognition of each of our students in this school - whether American, Guatemalan, Vietnamese, Mexican, or Chinese?

We are all North Buncombe Blackhawks here.

We currently have 18 different nations represented by our student body, and we will be proud to hang these flags, and raise our eyes daily to our global and local community.
Many of our international students, standing with their flags, February 2017.






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