Author Archives: thinkingpopculture

The addiction model of United States history is an approach to the story of America I have utilized in my classroom for a long time. I believe it creates a framework of pain and hope for discussing the ever developing nation. It also allows for an intricate web of interrelated issues that allows my studentsContinue reading “American Addictions”

Hello P3ers and honored quests. It has been a strange year, with traditions great and small cast aside while anxiety and fears gripping the hearts of many.  Joy and hope, however, endures. It always does. Always. I often end my school year with a graduation address delivered to my P3 class at NFA but, alas,Continue reading “Graduation Address for the Class of 2020”

Earlier this year I posted the news that I had a book due out this spring. Clearly things are strange right now it I am still so please to announce that the eBook of Out of the Basement is available for purchase. You can click here to be sent to Amazon to place an order. TheContinue reading “Out of the Basement”

  A couple weeks ago I, along with two colleagues, took a group of our high school students to see the movie Harriet. We were in the middle of our Road to the Civil War unit so the timing of the film’s release was perfect. I reminded the class before we went that, even thoughContinue reading “Harriet Tubman and the Power of Movies”

Thus spake Bilbo Baggins as he rushed along the dirt path from Baggend into an adventure far more perilous and rewarding than he could ever imagine. He did not know where his new and ever expanding road would lead but he was driven to answer the call. I’ve recently answered a call as well and,Continue reading “I’m Going on an Adventure!”

My daughter was in a reminiscent mood the other night. She was talking about highlights from the previous school year. One memory that she was particularly happy about involved a homework assignment that created a shared experience: she had to watch a civil rights themed movie. “Hidden Figures” was chosen and we watched it together.Continue reading “Top Ten Movie Speeches…for now”

We live in a technological age. The eye is drawn to it, the mind bounces from stimulated to stupefied by it, commercials guarantee that the latest gadget will simplify our lives and make them more fulfilling, and schools scramble to prove they are on the cutting edge. But what if it is all a bluff? WhatContinue reading “Socrates in School”

I believe in the power of words. I suppose that would be a requirement for someone who writes and teaches. Don’t mistake power for omnipotence, for words can be quite limited in their reach. While the passion and sincerity of delivery truly matters so to does the disposition of the listener (or reader). Cynicism buildsContinue reading “The Power of Words: Shire Edition”