Yesterday I touched on 9th grade social studies, but I left out a key component to the social studies experience: the teacher.
You can break down social studies teachers into a few colorful groups:
Group 1: The War Vet
The war vet served in either WWII, or worse, Vietnam or Korea. These teachers get a glint in their eye when the subject of war comes up. Either they’re recalling the glory (like an old John Wayne flick), or they’re reliving the horrors (like Black Hawk Down). These guys have no love for the government, and will talk about conspiracy theories at the drop of a hat. I once had a teacher discuss the JFK assassination for an entire class, convincing us, without a doubt, “Back, and to the left.”
Group 2: America the Beautiful
This teacher loves America. America is awesome. Land of opportunity, protector of freedom, and home to all that is good and right. We didn’t steal the land from the Indians, it was Manifest Destiny. World War II? Everyone was screwed until the U.S. rode in on its white horse, and bailed out the idiot French. This teacher also loves to recall the American Revolution, convincing the class that no way, no how did the British have any chance to win. Totally one-sided. America 1, Britain 0.
Group 3: America the Tyrant
This teacher gives you extra credit for bringing in articles from the New York Times. They also give you extra credit for asking about some genocide happening in the world. And whatever is happening in the world, America takes most of the blame. Is there some unrest in Latin America? Maybe the people are revolting against the puppet government the United States installed to further its oil interests. Open your books to the section on Che Guevara.
Group 4: Check Out This Filmstrip!
This one pretty much explains itself. This teacher has no opinions at all, and they don’t really like social studies anyway. Can you say “tenure track”? At least you can catch up on your Z’s while the video/filmstrip is going. Speaking of which, do kids even look at filmstrips anymore?