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About Me!
Hello! My name is Zachary Young, and I am from Lenoir NC. I have been passionate about History for many years, and I graduated from Appalachian State in 2025 with a degree in History/Social Studies Education. While at App State I completed observation hours at both South Caldwell High School as well as Valle Cruses Elementary which have helped prepared me for a career in education. In my final semester I completed my student teaching at West Forsyth High School where I was able to experience the how rewarding teaching truly can be. In my free time I love to be outside exploring all the beauty that North Carolina has to offer!
Fun Fact:
The most common question I get asked is "What is your favorite time period to talk about?" and my answer is 19th century world history as I feel that it was the most impactful turning point in human civilization due to the rapid spread of ideas and technology that shaped the world we live in today.
Why do I want to teach?
Education is a core value of mine as I believe that it is essential to both personal and societal prosperity. My philosophy is that Historical education is a tool in understanding the past, present, and future as well as understanding History allows for deeper critical thinking when analyzing the world today.
My goal is to help students understand, connect, and apply the various themes that are found in the remarkable story that is History!
Here are the links to my methods portfolio which I completed my Senior year. The unit I designed "Media and its impact on Democracy" is designed to fit into a high school civics course.
-Curriculum Map
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RDwsTA-nVG2CTFy9u2_U3AYJUDEfOeGAp2rJJpY2bhk/edit?usp=sharing
-Unit Map
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XiAAxBmjEKlRM3IXUI4pxAfyBEHt10lpzVgtnGcXDD8/edit?usp=sharing
- Day 1 Lesson
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KtIXch90JR_YT3fdAoAtbXzE2SPhzFv-uKEye48lIcc/edit?usp=sharing
-Day 2 Lesson
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RHeDPlm3VZM6TtHwFYYS47Vrz7TVMplSBIZOG6nC1CM/edit?usp=sharing
-Day 3 Lesson along with accompanying Historical Content Notes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NJB1SCkFq3GPh5MIJixfPBaBKgkZNdWMS2hZrmlndQU/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0E4UAIF6u2-hyHQ029bhw_MpFOPCLBZtvwIHuifCns/edit?usp=sharing
Below are some samples I made in designing a unit on the Exploration of Latin America in a High School level World History Course
-Curriculum Map for World History
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X43PYyVK5Oxv7kYyDvyo5Re2AgDfftSUovgrBnAGohk/edit?usp=sharing
-Unit Map for Exploration of Latin America
https://docs.google.com/document/d/151YaozNCE0BRZQGnUakzvnDIU3ToT_WaljIL56Bx-YU/edit?usp=sharing
-Lesson Plan 1---European Arrival in Latin America
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jP-kKtZIUUAo1T3sImElr6fL0Joa9dH2uv4fKxikNpw/edit?usp=sharing
-Lesson Plan 2---The indigenous cultures who comprised Latin America
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11YG9oDx3fgFC5uUU7LEwLzDpcKGEMyfhrO_kP9ddOPY/edit?usp=sharing
-Lesson Plan 3---Conflict in the new world
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ktHzA5pQ9MMUK6H5_V5IlmN-DDEYnIjPg5jLOzMOw7w/edit
-Assessment samples for my World History Course Lesson on The Exploration of Latin America
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_rVALjREXIFFzvSPj-GaKNwRPurEobXD13sRVrFLukM/edit?usp=sharing
Statement of Purpose
Content knowledge matters, but the ability to ask questions, evaluate sources, and construct evidence based arguments is the central goal of my lessons. With that as my philosophy, I design lessons that engage students with primary sources, collaborative document analysis, and structured academic discussions so they learn to consider different perspectives and support claims with evidence. I integrate assesments that require research, synthesis, and presentation so students practice real world applications of historical thinking. I also use technology as a tool rather than a crutch in the classroom with digital archives, interactive timelines, and collaborative platforms, being present in many of my lessons. I continually reflect on teaching through post lesson data and feedback to refine strategies and improve on my lessons.
My aim as a teacher is to develop curious and informed thinkers who can use history to understand the past, interpret the present, and act thoughtfully in the future. The classroom is not a place where students showcase their ability to recite my lessons, but a place where they can develop skills that will help them engage with the world around them alongside their peers.
Thank you
-Zachary Young
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