BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Brookings, SD, I am a proud former Bobcat and Jackrabbit. I graduated from Brookings High School in 2008, then graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. in History Education in 2013. While attending SDSU, I played Wide Receiver for the Jackrabbit Football Team. In 2014, I went back to SDSU to complete my Master's Degree, which I proudly achieved in December of 2016.
I currently live in Sioux Falls with my girlfriend, Ashley. I have a sister, Kari, who lives in Denver, while my parents, Lee and Pam, live in Brookings.
I am excited to take on a new role as the 8th Grade US History Teacher at West Central Middle School, as well as assume the responsibilities of Assistant Varsity Football Coach and Assistant 8th Grade Basketball Coach. Go Trojans!
UNITED STATES HISTORY
My favorite history books that we'll use most often in the classroom
"A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" BY HOWARD ZINN
Historian Howard Zinn's incredible collection of primary sources, which relate to the story of US History as told by those who were never afforded the opportunity before, has impacted my worldview immensely. He forces you to think about why American History is often distorted through half-truths and misinformation. There's more to the story than the ones told by presidents, senators, and generals, and Zinn provides those stories and more.
Zinn also had his book adapted for younger students to read entitled "A Young Person's History of the United States," which will certainly come in handy this school year.
"LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME: EVERYTHING YOUR AMERICAN HISTORY TEXTBOOK GOT WRONG" BY JAMES W. LOEWEN
Professor James W. Loewen takes on the tall task of identifying how and why U.S. History textbooks leave out so much of the story of America. He provides a thorough study of numerous textbooks, all the while pointing out what each one left out as well as why history teachers should teach the whole story. This book has shaped my curriculum more than any I've ever read and I look forward to using it this year!
"THE MAKING OF AMERICA" BY ROBERT D. JOHNSTON
Professor Robert D. Johnson's book provides a comprehensive look at America's triumphs as well as its failures through a chronological text equipped with primary sources and powerful imagery. It provides a terrific snapshot of the progress we've made in America, as well as the all-important controversial subjects that are as ubiquitous as the former. Critical thinking is an essential in my classroom and Dr. Johnston's book will provide students with a reliable resource to achieve that.