What is your name and the course you teach?
The course I teach is History 211: Reconstruction to the Present Day. The course covers the history of the United States from Reconstruction, which was the rebuilding of America after the Civil War, to America at the turn of 21st the century. All the major events, figures, and groups of these periods are covered. However, there are some extra emphasis – via tertiary sources – on women, African Americans, immigrants and assimilation, Native Americans, the labor movement, queer history, and US international imperialism.
How long have you been teaching in the Early College Program?
I started teaching in the early college program in the Fall Semester of 2018.
What do you enjoy the most about working with high school students? The least?
There are several points of enjoyment. For one, many of the Hostos Lincoln Academy students are well prepared for college classes. This is twofold. First, they already arrive to my classes with a strong foundational knowledge of American history. Secondly, their academic skills, especially in writing and critical thinking, are advanced. Some of the projects I have received are graduate level in their analysis. Overall, I have no complaints about the students. However, sometimes, some students need a little extra push to make due dates.
How would you compare your Early College students to the average college student?
For some reason, I have been able to establish multi-year long friendships with many former Hostos Lincoln Academy students. Something I have not experienced with the broader Hostos population. I have seen a handful of them go on to complete bachelor’s degrees. This semester one of my former students, who is only 20 years old, will have a Masters in Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY. It is amazing to see these students grow, be a part of that growth, and to witness it over the years.
Hostos Early College Initiative 