Snapshots of History

Abstract

His classroom is academically action-packed and full of surprises. To watch Mr. Stoddard teach is to witness an intricate interplay between student and teacher. Students ask probing questions and begin discussions that push the class into unexpected spaces. Student appetites are whetted, resulting in a dance of pushing and pulling, statement and explanation, opinion and rejoinder. His work is like that of a photojournalist, taking snapshots of history with which students can interact. His lens encompasses United States History and Geography, and he adjusts his camera’s settings for certain environmental variables including student interest and current events. Mr. Stoddard’s intuition informs his choice of what content to include and teach and how to display it for his students. His students see the results of his work and are able to interact with his artful approach to teaching by critique and discussion.