Mr. Weidele is a history teacher works at IMS is very athletic and energetic bit has calm actions in school. Mr. Weidele enjoys hiking kayaking, and video games. Mr. Weidele wants to be a PE teacher because they get to wear comfy clothes.
Panther Press: What inspired you to become a History teacher?
Mr.Weidele: My grandfather taught Social Studies for 40 years and his father before him was a teacher as well, they were my motivators. In high school I had a teacher named Chris Modeszto and he was also someone who inspired me.
Panther Press: How do you make American history engaging and relatable for middle school students?
Mr. Weidele: Doing anything and everything I can to relate our content to the present day and doing it in different ways such as using video games and other fun ways.
Panther Press: What strategies do you use to support students with different learning styles or needs?
Mr.Weidele: I use a variety of different types of assignments to differentiate my instruction such as videos, primary sources etc.
Panther Press: Which historical topics or periods do you find students are most curious about?
Mr. Weidele: Anything involving a war.
Panther Press: How do you handle controversial topics in American history with students?
Mr. Weidele: Teach the facts and deliver them in an age and grade appropriate manner.
Panther Press: Can you give an example of a project or assignment that helped students connect history to current events?
Mr. Weidele: I do a daily do now everyday to connect history to our current events.
Panther Press: How do you provide feedback that motivates and supports student growth in history?
Mr. Weidele: I always like to follow up any constructive criticism with something positive.
Panther Press: Have you ever used role-playing, simulations, or debates in your classroom? If so, how did it go?
Mr. Weidele: Do them quite often but one of my favorites was a World War I simulation where we flipped the classroom tables and created trenches and then simulated trench warfare using paper balls.
Panther Press: How do you communicate with parents about student progress and classroom activities?
Mr. Weidele: I most commonly use e-mail.
Panther Press; What’s one lesson or unit you’re especially proud of, and why?
Mr. Weidele: I had made a Civics board game about the path to citizenship and it was a big hit. I’ve also used video games to teach World War II battles, those are some of my favorites.
