Welcome to Texas History!
Texas isn’t just a place; we're a story connected to the world.
Embedded Files
It's Thinking Thursday!
State Capital Building in Austin, Texas
Meet Your Teacher
Meet Your Teacher
About Me
I’m a Houston-born social studies teacher, writer, and spoken-word poet. I’ve lived and traveled in China, Japan, Haiti, Hawaii, and across the U.S.—and those experiences shape how I teach.
About Me
I’m a Houston-born social studies teacher, writer, and spoken-word poet. I’ve lived and traveled in China, Japan, Haiti, Hawaii, and across the U.S.—and those experiences shape how I teach.
I’m also a military veteran, so I bring discipline, structure, and high expectations.
+ In this class, we connect Texas to the world.
Explorers, Historians, Travelers:
Hiring for Classroom Jobs
Hiring for History Jobs (Coming Soon!)
Spotify Playlists (Coming Soon!)
Regional History Day Awards
Regional History Day Awards
Congratulations to THREE of our Shotwell Scholars for placing in the Aldine Regional History Day Contest.
2nd Place: Abigail Flores (Individual Website)
3rd Place: Andrea De La Riva (Individual Exhibit)
Honorable Mention: Anaya Fuentes-Hernandez (Individual Website)
Honorable Mention: Anaya Fuentes-Hernandez (Individual Website)
A special shout-out to Abigail Flores for once again advancing to the state competition! She will be headed to Austin in April. This achievement follows her special award for research excellence last year!
Way to go, Abigail!
Congrats to Abigail Flores
She won the 2025 Texas History Day Special Award for
outstanding research in animal welfare.
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Bullock Texas State History Museum
University of Texas at Austin
Saturday, April 5, 2025
What This Class Is About
What This Class Is About
What We Do in Texas History
What We Do in Texas History
Explore Texas people, places, and events
Connect Texas to global history and cultures
Think critically about how Texas developed
Discuss and share ideas
Write about history in meaningful ways
>>This is not just memorizing dates—you will understand the story.
Texas & The World
Texas & The World
Texas Is Connected to the World
Texas didn’t develop in isolation. Every major event connects to bigger global ideas.
Texas Is Connected to the World
Texas didn’t develop in isolation. Every major event connects to bigger global ideas.
Examples:
Spanish colonization → part of global exploration
Cattle drives → connected to national markets
Oil boom → impacted the global economy
Immigration → shaped Texas culture
>> We study Texas to understand the world—and ourselves.
Texas Is Connected to the World
Texas didn’t develop in isolation. Every major event connects to bigger global ideas.
Texas Is Connected to the World
Texas didn’t develop in isolation. Every major event connects to bigger global ideas.
Examples:
Spanish colonization → part of global exploration
Cattle drives → connected to national markets
Oil boom → impacted the global economy
Immigration → shaped Texas culture
>> We study Texas to understand the world—and ourselves.
How You’ll Learn
Follow lessons right here on this site
Analyze images, maps, and real-world examples
Work with partners and groups
Participate in discussions
Use writing to explain your thinking
>> Everything you need is here—use it.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Real-World Connections
Real-World Connections
Even though we’re studying Texas, the ideas connect everywhere.
I’ve lived in places like:
🇯🇵 Japan
🇨🇳 China
🇭🇹 Haiti
>> Different places, but many of the same ideas—culture, movement, and change.
Expectations
What I Expect From You
What I Expect From You
Be curious
Be respectful
Be engaged
Be willing to think
>> Your voice matters in this classroom.
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