Office Hours II

My Saturday was packed; it started with a 7:30 AM meeting on campus with two students: Joel Turman and Sarah Salinas. A few students and faculty members are taking a trek in China this week. Jim Kelly, my friend in the science department and Christine Metoyer, my chair, along with Head of School Steve Livingston [...]

HCHS Commencement 2009

Above: Metoyer (chair), Sivils, Malouf, Bourland, Phenicie, and Carson
The history department took a second to take this departmental picture just before HCHS 2009 commencement.
Kate Kreager, my top student in AP European history and this year’s valedictorian, delivered an excellent speech to her peers. Kate, who will attend the University of Texas Phase II honors program [...]

School Tuition

Tuition at several elite private schools in Los Angeles County will reach $25,000 or close to it next school year. We have a very competitive independent school market in Houston; it is made up of a host of excellent schools. Thus tuition here in Houston tends to be high on most reputable campuses. Though our [...]

My Top Student Award in US History

Sarah Salinas came by today to hand me a great thank you note and a gift filled with chocolates; I am a big snacker, especially as it relates to junk food; I justify this as fuel for some big run. Hey, I am scheduled to do an 8 mile run today at my marathon goal [...]

World History Final Today

I gave my world history section their final exam today; it is the only final I have to give since Advanced Placement students at Houston Christian are exempt. One of the things I teach in what is “truly” a world history course is the concept of global history. Too often teachers at all levels teach [...]

Interracial Marriages Are Up

Interracial marriages are on the rise. I find this to be a good thing seeing that we live in a world that should embrace differences. Life is far more enjoyable. Living here in Houston, one cannot help but take not of the vast diversity that exists. I pointed out a few positives from an MSNBC [...]

Book: Anti-Intellectualism in American Life

As early summer approaches and my classes have come to an end, I have been debating on what to read.  I contemplated Lionel Trilling’s Matthew Arnold, but then concluded it would be a bit much for an early summer read; it is a monster of a work. I will read it by the end [...]

Malcolm X and The Black Middle Class

I spend a bit of time in my United States History course talking about the greatness of Malcolm X; I do contend that by his death he had not reasoned with his hate, but instead, moved past it towards a conclusion of racial reconciliation. I will admit that I  admire Malcolm X — not so [...]

Rethinking the Teaching of Wars

I am notorious for constructing from memory (as you can tell) a map of the world. The one above is a pretty rough rendition, but it suffice to say the least. In teaching my World History course, I stay away from Europe as a prime actor. Clearly due to European elements of nationalism, industrialism, and [...]

Teaching at a Private School

It is safe to say that not all schools are created equal. There are clear benefits to being a faculty member in an independent school environment. However, one must compete with a number of highly qualified candidates to get through the gate.  After nine years of teaching, I only know and fully understand private school [...]

Being a Teacher and Runner is Much Like Being Wile E. Coyote

Below is a great post from Runner’s World running blog. I love what Mark had to say about setting goals and staying focus; I think this post applies not only to running, but to life; I am always thinking about my academic goals and ask: Have I done all that I really want to [...]

Summer Running Thoughts

 
An oak alley along the Rice Boulevard, Rice University, Houston, TX
After reducing my miles to less than 30 over the last few weeks to rest, I have again increased my miles this week; I have set my running schedule and events that I would like to race; however, I have done this before in the [...]

Another Great Student

Above: Veronica Forge and Carson
My soon to be former student Veronica Forge and I took a quick picture today for her scrapbook. The English department here and at my former school requires each student to construct a 15 page scrapbook. I am blessed to have had Veronica for three [years] courses: World History (sophomore year), [...]

Student to Attend Harding’s Honors Symposium

Left to Right: Jaime Zeal, Ashley Giffen, & Rachel Gracy
Jaime Zeal was a bright spot in my United States history course this past year; she will be attending my Alma Mater this summer and will most likely apply for admission come next fall. This summer Jaime will participate in Harding university’s Summer Honor Program. It [...]

Post AP Exam Thoughts

Both my AP European and AP US History classes took the Advanced Placement National Exam on Friday. Traditionally speaking, the AP US History exam has proven to be a far more difficult exam for my students over the past nine years of teaching. That was not the case this year. European history students thought the [...]

Education Gap

I still contend that the historical problems of Jim Crow have had a lasting impact on the educational attainment of minorities — especially that of blacks; people such as D’Souza do not believe this to be true. The natural conclusion is that of laziness or a breakdown in the black community; I am not saying [...]

Interesting Blog

A friend and colleague of mine has a great blog that many of you might enjoy reading. Give it a visit. http://thelibertarianbuddhist.wordpress.com/

12 Important Historical Actors (Edited List)

Before leaving this past weekend for a seminar in Springfield, Missouri, I was having a conversation about the ten most influential historical people that must be understood and discussed in all history and/or social science related courses. Some might find it to be criminal if I ranked such individuals, so I want. . There are [...]