Ethan Roberts-Middle School Humanities Teacher and Advisor
Why did you decide to become a teacher,and what do you like most about teaching?
I became a teacher because I believe that education is the key to changing society. I was inspired by my friend Matt, who works in early childhood education. I have many family members who have taught in higher education as well, so it also feels like I'm participating in a family tradition. There are so many aspects that I like about teaching -- it's a very creative activity, and one of service, too. But my absolute favorite thing is when a child gets "that look" in their eye, a certain gleam where I can see the gears spinning inside their mind as they make new connections and insights.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I play guitar and mandolin, and like to do obstacle course races and long distance runs.I have run several Spartan Races and half-marathons, and I do a 10K five days a week.I read lots of SciFi and Fantasy, and new fiction, too. I have three children -- one in college, and two in secondary school. I'm from Boston so my two favorite baseball teams are the Red Sox and whoever is playing the Yankees!
Where did you teach before you came to Wornick?
I worked at secular, progressive independent schools in Berkeley and Santa Cruz for 21 years in a variety of roles before coming to Wornick. I've primarily taught English,History and an integrated Humanities class, as well as been an advisor and taught various electives, from rock band to drama to game design. I've also taught math and PE, and coached flag football and basketball. And I've held many different roles as an administrator too!
What subjects and grades do you teach at Wornick?Do you have any favorite projects/units?
I am currently teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade History.In 6th grade we study prehistory, and then early civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, Ancient China, Greece, and Rome. In 7th grade we develop map skills and then dive into Mesoamerica, West Africa, the Silk Road, Medieval Japan, Medieval Europe, and the Renaissance. And in 8th grade we cover the arrival of European colonists in North America, the American Revolution and founding of this country, Jacksonian democracy, the Civil War, and the eras of Reconstruction and the Industrial Revolution up to World War One. I truly love all of these areas because we get to look at big themes like "What is my place in history?", "How did technology and trade connect or isolate cultures?", or "How do we reconcile the intertwined legacies of independence and slavery?", and the ideas spiral on each other year over year. In terms of specific projects, I like to do simulations and research presentations, and the Silk Road Simulation and Warlords of Japan activities are especially fun in 7th grade. In 8th grade we also learn to read primary source documents, which is an important skill to acquire.
What lessons/skills do you hope students will take with them as they graduate?
History sometimes gets pigeon-holed as names and dates, which is the most inert part of the discipline. Factual information can always be looked up; learning to think critically and abstractly about how and why people made the choices they did, and the social forces they were navigating at the time, is a much deeper and lasting goal. Also,I want students to develop their metacognition, which is awareness of their own thinking; that's a key step in learning to learn. We do lots of reading of informational text, and writing too, and those literacy skills are so important.
What do you think makes Wornick special?
Being part of a collaborative and collegial professional team is a great benefit. I adore my colleagues, there's so much love here! I also appreciate that there's space for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth, regardless of our personal religion.