Teacher of the month is a segment of The Spectator where we feature a teacher at Berkley High School and take a deep dive into their lives beyond the classroom in order for the BHS community to get to know them better. This January, we are featuring Mrs. Blackwell. She teaches AP World History and AP European History here at Berkley High School. Mrs. Blackwell is a prominent member of the BHS community and is loved by her students. Below is more about Mrs. Blackwell!
Q: How long have you been teaching for?
A: This is my 30th year teaching.
Q: Have you always taught at Berkley?
A: Yes! I was even a student teacher for a semester before I taught.
Q: What made you want to teach?
A: I loved being in high school, I liked history, and I also liked being around young people.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I went to Central Michigan University and majored in History and minored in Physical Education. After, I got my masters in Social Studies Education at University of Michigan.
Q: Why did you decide to teach history?
A: I have always liked history. I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t have an aptitude for other subjects, so history seemed to be what I gravitated towards.
Q: What do you like about teaching?
A: What I like most about teaching is the relationships that I have built with my students and other staff. I also love being able to start over because each year is a fresh start.
Q: What is your favorite class to teach?
A: My favorite class to teach is AP World. It is my favorite because it is so interesting to learn about all the different cultures and places around the world. It allows all of my students to become better people when they learn about others and their cultures.
Q: How is your teaching style unique?
A: My teaching style is unique because I do a few activities every year that are unique to me, like having my AP European History students pretend to be different people during the Napolenos era. I also would say I care about my students and my relationship with them.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from teaching?
A: I have so many, but I have built so many great friendships with both students and staff over the years that have been long lasting. It is a fantastic memory overall that some of my closest friends have come from Berkley.