Growing up in Florida, Christian Smith has always had a love for history. With this being his fifth year teaching he is bringing his passion and enthusiasm for the past to his classroom.
From incentive lessons to his wise advice, Smith’s classroom is a place where history comes back to life. He ensures that students do not walk into his class just for a grade, but to become more involved and educated individuals in society.
“I guess my philosophy would be for students to discover aspects of our history,” said Smith. “I want them to walk away from my class as better informed citizens.”
Walking into Smith’s class you realize there is never a dull moment. One great example of this is how in one of his past lessons Smith turned a Civil War lesson into a dodgeball game, making history engaging and interactive for students.
“I would have them throw the ball and if they got hit in the leg then they would have to hop on one leg and we do the same thing with any other body part,” said Smith.
This was to teach students that when you were shot in the civil war your limbs were gone completely and at times you were not able to come home. The physical engagement of students in the lesson ensured they not only had fun but were also able to insert themselves in history in order to comprehend it better.
Before teaching at UACHS, Smith spent time at another school in Orlando Florida where he taught sociology and history. He is currently on his way to earning his masters degree. This is the reason he moved to New Jersey and has decided to continue his career here.
“I moved up here because I’m going to Columbia for my master’s at Teachers College,” said Smith.
His childhood experiences directed him to the path he chose. His story begins in Lakewood, Florida, where he had a conservative upbringing that pushed him to be the person and teacher he wants to be.
“I grew up in an area that was categorized as conservative; it kind of shaped me today,” said Smith. “Just looking at my experiences when I was younger; how important knowing history is and seeing people around me created the motivation so I could become better for myself.”
Smith hopes his students leave his class with more than just history facts. For him history is not just about the past, it is about preparing students to take action in their own lives.
“Do what you need to do later, now!,” said Smith.
This is a piece of advice he was given in the past, that he now passes on to his students. Whether it is civil war dodgeball or spotting patterns in today’s world, his lessons stick because they are all about living history not just reading about it.
