Author Archives: andrewatnu

I have the privilege of speaking at tomorrow’s conference of the Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS). The topic is the (Social) Science Fair. Growing up, we almost all took part in at least one science fair. You choose a question and then you research the subject and determine an answer to it basedContinue reading “Creating “Museums” to Promote Student Research & Analysis Skills”

Since August, I have been teaching at Willowbrook High School in the Western suburbs. It is a dream job. Not only do I get to teach US History, Economics, and US Government at a great school, but also I get to teach these subjects at the third most diverse school district in the entire state.Continue reading “Creating Engaged Citizens at Willowbrook”

I am excited to announce the addition of French to my teaching license, which means I am now able to teach the language in the state of Illinois. Along with my social studies, math, and special education endorsements, I am now fully prepared to engage students with their world. Readers of the blog make sureContinue reading “Mais, Oui: Adding French to My License”

If you decide to read “No Pity”, then these mind maps of chapters will come in very handy. From Claudia A. is the Mind Map for Chapter 2 From Xenia R. is the Mind Map for Chapter 7:  

Serafina N. had the wonderful idea of a bookmark for “No Pity”. It is a Word file so that you can add or change it for your class’ needs and interests. SPE 506- _No Pity_ Representation

Riley H. Recommends: Nightlife Interview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxLC0_qTYVw Deaf Mosaic – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtsYVeRuBuw  

As the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) reaches its 25th anniversary, my group in special education read “No Pity” by Joseph Shapiro. The book charts the course of the Disability Civil Rights movement at its height. It also inspired us to create a series of important projects that we would like to share with theContinue reading “Celebrating Deaf Culture and Civil Rights”

While listening to the latest Freakonomics podcast (http://freakonomics.com/podcast/ask-not-what-your-podcast-can-do-for-you/), I was delighted to hear about efforts to personalize the education experience for high school students through that medium. For those of you not yet in on the fun, podcasts are recordings that can be either streamed or downloaded. You can find podcast channels with segments onContinue reading “Podcasts in the Classroom”

There is a great upcoming event at the National Hellenic Museum on January 28th. “Greek Philosophers, Founding Fathers, and American Law” will address how our government and its laws have been influenced by Greek classical thought, especially Aristotle. The event is free for students and you can sign up at the link above.

Four years ago this month I began teaching. This past year was the most successful and intellectually engaging year yet. It began in January with my teaching evaluation process at Harper College. I decided to improve Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Inequality Education (DIIE) in my classes. Throughout Spring courses, I provided a short survey to studentsContinue reading “Teaching: The Year in Review”