Humanities
From an academic standpoint, the humanities include the study of history, philosophy and religion, modern and ancient languages and literatures, fine and performing arts, media and cultural studies, and other fields. Humanities research adds to our knowledge of the world, as scholars investigate differences between cultures and communities around the world and across time, consider the ways art is made and received, or unveil the undercurrents that have shaped history. Humanities education encourages students to think creatively and critically, to reason, and ask questions. And, as the humanities offer insight into nearly every aspect of life, they have been considered a core element of a well-rounded education since ancient times.
Put simply, the humanities help us understand and interpret the human experience, as individuals and societies.
Source: https://action.nationalhumanitiescenter.org/what-are-humanities/
Why I Teach
I teach because teaching provides a space that allows me to have an impact on the minds of young people, and therefore the community, and therefore the world! I teach to be a part of the solution; to help students become part of their immediate community and the global community. I teach to help kids engage with their own lives, by finding their own voice, thinking critically, and giving them the tools they need to think critically about the world that surrounds them.
It is a profession that encourages freedom, cultivates creativity, and requires a constant evolution and reflection in both the teacher and the pupil. The growth may be slow, and sometimes messy, and unorganized but it is always worth it and helps both to become better.
About Me
I grew up in Breckenridge, CO and graduated from Summit High School a LONG time ago. I was a member of the downhill ski-team and played on the rugby team for all four years, and was very far from what one would call "popular." After high school I took off to the east coast for college - first to a tiny, but beautiful college in New Hampshire called Colby-Sawyer College, then to a larger college in Newport, RI called Salve-Reginia University to study Political Science. I ended up transferring again to the University of Rhode Island, earning a BA in Political Science with minors in both History and English some six years after beginning my journey in higher education. After college I moved back to Breck to figure myself out, and got a job in the hospitality industry - first refurbishing rooms, then moving on to Human Resources. That job helped me get a job at the Sky Ute Casino Resort when I moved down to Durango (where I would meet my now husband, Doug), and then later on with the Stater Hotel. I worked in Human Resources for roughly 10 years before my husband and I decided to sell all our belongings, cash in our retirements, and move to South Africa to start a game lodge, which we called Sundowner Safari Camp. We owned a small house on 500 acres and had one giraffe, three zebra, nine Nyla, 75 Impala, 16 Kudu and tons of free roaming warthog, monkeys, baboon and the occasional leopard. The camp had sleeping quarters for four, an outdoor kitchen, outdoor bathroom and high high-stand to go up and look out over the camp. It was really cool.
Alas..... it failed. But it was worth it!
Seven months later we were back in the US and longed for radical career shifts, so I became a teacher and my husband a firefighter. I landed a job in Aztec, NM, where I taught English I, English IV, AP Literature, Yearbook and Journalism over the course of the next six years. After driving an hour to and from work each day from Durango, and having two small children (Ryder and Bode) I decided a move was finally in order, and that is when I saw that AHS was hiring! I am thrilled beyond belief to start a new chapter here with you all. It's going to be a great year!
Other things: I love the typical Durango activities - but being above tree-line is my ultimate happy place. Avocados are my favorite food; I have two dogs; Crüe, and Chewy, a cat named Bob, and a fish called Blue. I love to travel and REALLY wish I could do it more. I absolutely love teaching, and ❤️ CO.