After directing the dance program at Salt Lake Arts Academy (SLARTS) for 12 years, my passion for history and people's stories inspired me to seek a history endorsement and join the Humanities team in 2021.
As an educator, I've had the privilege of traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. It was in Amerika Samoa, at Afono Elementary School, just a few steps from the ocean, that I began teaching humanities. This immersive experience was instrumental in forging my teaching philosophy, which emphasizes:
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Using original documents for authentic historical inquiry
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Critical analysis to develop deep understanding and empathy for people, and the events, environment, and constraints that influenced their lives and choices
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Place-based learning to connect history to our surroundings
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Arts integration to enrich comprehension and expression
My Teaching Philosophy: Engaging 7th and 8th Grade Humanitarian
My goal in the humanities classroom is to create a safe learning laboratory where students develop a Growth Mindset to promote resilience and interest in risk taking. As we delve into the complexities of history and human experience, I encourage students to become active participants in their learning. I employ mindfulness in the classroom, by providing a variety of supports to meet their individual needs. Employing the History Habits of Mind helping students develop greater awareness of the interconnectedness of historical events and their impact on individuals and societies.
Through our humanities studies, students don't just memorize facts; they develop vital life skills that are crucial for navigating their world. I aim to build:
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Confidence in expressing their ideas and research
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Resilience in tackling challenging historical concepts
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Tolerance through understanding diverse perspectives
Students become active historians and critical thinkers, equipped to analyze the past and apply its lessons to the present and future. In my classes, students are encouraged to become the experts of their own historical inquiry and analysis as they learn to:
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Engage with different historical interpretations of key events
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Analyze primary and secondary sources
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Create compelling arguments and historical narratives
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Collaborate on research projects
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Plan and revise their understanding of complex events
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Investigate historical evidence
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Connect ideas across different historical periods and cultures
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Respond to and respectfully offer critique on historical interpretations
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Evaluate and refine their own research and writing
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Develop persistence in tackling complex historical questions
A Little About Me
I've dedicated my career to education, with a foundational background that has shaped my interdisciplinary approach to teaching. My experiences performing and teaching internationally in places like American Samoa and British Columbia deeply influenced my appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.
In my free time, I love gardening, hiking, biking, traveling, reading, and needlework. These activities continue to fuel my curiosity about the world and its rich past.
For more detailed and updated information about the Humanities program at SLARTS, please see your students' Canvas course.
Thank you,
Karin L. Fenn [email protected]
