Around the World in 180 Days
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Teaching Experience
After teaching Government and Economics at the high school level, it was certainly eye-opening to be placed in front of middle school students. 17 years later, however, I am having a blast teaching 8th grade US History and 7th grade World History.
Teaching Style
For me, the formula for delivering an effective lesson is simple: tell a good story. History is rife with abstract concepts – so incorporate visuals, actively involve them in each lesson, challenge them to think critically, and – above all – make it relevant. Allow students to demonstrate their understanding through a variety of methods: writing an essay, illustrating the Bill of Rights or designing their own political cartoon on Andrew Jackson, creating a journal of the Oregon Trail, singing the Preamble to the Constitution (Schoolhouse Rock is awesome!).
Honors and Awards
Department Chair
State Finalist, History Day California (2012-2018)
Own Educational History
M.Ed., California State University, Los Angeles
Single Subject Credential (CLAD), California Lutheran University
B.A., University of California, San Diego
Additional Bio Info
When not making adjustments to my curriculum, I love spending time with my wife and the “Apple Dumplin’ Gang,” our Siberian Huskies Sasha and Abigail and our German Shepherd Shadow. If we ever move to Alaska, we have our very own sled team.
Check out my FREE Political Cartoon Analysis - "The Repeal - or the Funeral of Miss Ame-Stamp"
Should you have any questions, please email me at aroundtheworldteacher@gmail.com.
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Mini- Unit: Theories of Government
MSRP: $17.25$13.00This mini-unit is an excellent means of introducing students to the theories of WHY government is necessary and HOW government should work. After explaining the two extremes of government power, absolute versus mob rule, the...MSRP: $17.25$13.00 -
Biography: The Rise of Genghis Khan
$2.25This first of a two-part biography of Genghis Khan describes the myth surrounding his birth, specifically that he was destined to be a great ruler. The biography goes on to describe Khan's early life of poverty and his eventual rise to power within the...$2.25 -
Biography: The Rule of Genghis Khan
$2.25This second of a two-part biography on the life Genghis Khan describes his consolidation of power and military conquests throughout northern Asia and southeastern Europe. Additionally, the biography describes Khan's attitude towards religious tolerance...$2.25 -
Biography: Zheng He
$2.25This biography of Zheng He focuses on his origins and his contributions to Chinese naval exploration during the 14th century. The biography includes a series of questions based on the reading. In using this in my own class room, students are encouraged...$2.25 -
Video Guide: How the States Got Their Shapes
$2.50Narrated by Brian Unger, the History Channel's video How the States Got Their Shapes is a wonderful introduction to any middle school or high school US History or Civics class. The video emphasizes the role both geography, politics, and the railroads...$2.50 -
Project: The Bill of Rights (digital option included)
$6.00This project has everything your students need to know about the freedoms contained in the Bill of Rights! The resource includes a PowerPoint that presents each amendment in the Bill of Rights in student-friendly terms. After explaining both the...$6.00 -
Biography Bundle: The Corps of Discovery (Distance Learning Option)
MSRP: $6.75$6.00This bundle contains a series of three biographies on individuals associated with the Corps of Discovery. The biographies can be either printed directly OR readily converted to digital activities using Google Slides. The first biography traces the life...MSRP: $6.75$6.00 -
Biography: Lewis and Clark
$2.25This biography on Meriwether Lewis and William Clark focuses on their leadership of the Corps of Discovery as it traversed the Louisiana Territory to reach the Pacific Ocean. The biography also includes a section on both the positive and negative impacts...$2.25 -
Biography: John Locke
$2.25This biography on John Locke focuses on his Two Treatises of Government. Believing that man was born with a "blank slate" (tabula rasa) and was essentially good by nature, Locke argued that the only true governments were those who ruled with the consent...$2.25 -
Biography: Sacagawea
$2.25This biography on Sacagawea focuses on her role in leading the Corps of Discovery to the Pacific Ocean. The biography includes a series of questions based on the reading. In using this in my own class room, students are encouraged to: 1. Number the...$2.25 -
Biography: John Brown
$2.25This biography focuses on John Brown, an ardent abolitionist who led both the raid of Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas, in 1856, and the attack on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, in October 1859. Brown's intent was to inspire a slave rebellion throughout the South...$2.25 -
Biography: Jefferson Davis
$2.25This biography on Jefferson Davis focuses on his service in the Mexican-American War, his support of John C. Calhoun and the idea of states' rights, and his role as President of the Confederate States of America. The biography includes a series of...$2.25