Mr. Nguyen:
Q: Biggest difference between teaching eighth graders and seniors?
“Lunch. Also, seniors pretty much have an idea where they are going and have developed their own self-drive. They know what they need to do to succeed, and they take ownership.”
Q: What is it like teaching your daughter?
“It’s fun to get to see her interact in the school setting with her friends. She actually makes it harder on herself because she feels she needs to be perfect in my class. On another note, it’s been a breath of fresh air to see how these seniors have matured since I last had them in eighth grade.”
Q: Would you ever consider bringing stock project back?
“It depends on what the future holds for the Microeconomic/Economic curriculum here at St Paul’s. We always have to ask ourselves, ‘Why is this being done in the classroom.'”
Q: Are you going on the Disney trip, if so, are you excited about it?
“Wait I have a choice? Yes, I do plan on going. I am a Disney fan. To me, it will be like going back to my second home.”
Mrs. Smisson:
Q: What do you most look forward to teaching every year?
“I look most forward to teaching the French Revolution and World War I. The French Revolution is fascinating and impacted Europe and America. World War I is also interesting, especially the intricate web of causes that led to it and the effects of it that set the stage for World War II. I also find my students don’t know as much about this war, so I love seeing them engaged in it.”
Q: How is teaching your son and his friends?
“I was nervous about teaching my son and his friends, but so far it has been great! It is interesting to see my son as a student and how he learns. And I get to see him every day! As far as his friends, it has been wonderful to see them in a different way – as people and not just kids I have known for years. Getting to see them as students and learners and have intelligent conversations with them has been awesome. I am truly enjoying the experience.”
Q: What is the biggest misconception about AP Euro?
“The biggest misconception about AP Euro is that the class is only about getting a 5 on the AP Exam. While that is certainly important and a major goal, I think so much more is gained just from the experience of taking the class and doing the work. It is hard but teaches a lot of lessons about work ethics, time management, critical thinking and reading comprehension. These are skills that are beneficial throughout life. Plus, I am biased, but I do think history can be fun to learn and AP Euro is definitely fun! Some crazy stuff happens in European History – what’s not to love?!”
Mr. Robertson:
Q: American versus World History which one is better?
“There are definitely some fun topics in World History that I’ll miss (Laozi’s luxurious eyebrows, my boy Claudius, and making students take notes in Quipu), but I’m excited about the shift into U.S. History. It’s a subject that can really resonate with students, and I think it’s important for informed citizens to have a strong grasp of American history.”
Q: Do you think there is a maturity difference between juniors and freshmen?
“I’m really excited about reteaching students that I had as ninth graders. Even though it’s only been one year, there is definitely a big difference. Kind of like it is with dogs. You know how dog years are like seven people years or something? Well, one high school year is like two or three regular people years. This junior class is in their academic prime!”
Q: What changes, if any, have you made to APUSH/American history?
“My goal is to keep the bar high and hold students to the same expectations that Mrs. Albrecht set. When I was helping her pack up at the end of last year, I found a three-quarters full bottle labelled ‘APUSH Tears.’ So, I plan to do my part to finish filling it. Other than that, there are some projects that have become traditions for room M105 that I plan on continuing and a lot of new stuff that I’m excited to debut as well.”
Mrs.Fromdahl:
Q: What is it like teaching high schoolers instead of sixth graders?
“Making the move from sixth grade to ninth grade has been great. I miss my little sixth graders but have enjoyed the jump to ninth grade. I taught most of these guys in sixth grade and I enjoy being back with them; they are such a smart and motivated group!”
Q: What’s it like teaching history again? Do you like it better than iSTEM?
“History will always be my favorite subject to teach, but iSTEM was fun. I enjoyed watching my students learn how to work together to solve problems to complete multiple projects. The thing I will miss the most about sixth grade is Dr. Burt!”
