This will answer Prof. Sorenson's question about why I switched from math endorsement to S.S. endorsement, but also hopefully it will inspire others as it did for me.
Dr. Strickland is an Eastern Orthodox minister and also a Western Civ. professor at Seattle U. At first I thought I would hate his class because he taught by lecture only, and because I thought he was an "interesting" man who came to class wearing the same outfit (I picture his closet consisting of four or five black dress shirts and two or three pair of black slacks). Needless to say this class was amazing. Most students in the class were taking it to fulfil gen. ed. requirements but, nevertheless, most of the students in the class really enjoyed it.
I am convinced that this class was so enjoyable because Dr. Strickland had a passion for what he was teaching. One time he played some Beethoven to show how the music of that time reflected the culture that it was created in. As we listened to the music, I could make out a faint smile on his face as he was soaking in the various symphonies. He had such a strong knowledge and understanding of the culture of Europe during that time, and it showed in his lectures. When he talked, it almost made me feel like I was watching a movie or a fascinating documentary on the History channel.
I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to take a class from Dr. Strickland as he taught at NU as an adjunct prof. for one year. I hope to have the ability to teach as passionately as Dr. Strickland, and to be able to keep the interest of my students as well as he did.
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What a great example of the impact that a teacher who is passionate about the subject they teach can have on their students. Not only is it evident that the teacher is enjoying what they are doing, but students are also inspired by that passion. You have a great model for your future classroom.
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