USA Geography Club: A Weekly United States Adventure- A New State Each Week

Hello there! My name is Taylor Wade Wirthlin. As a baby my older sister called me Tay-low. As a kid, friends called me Taytor Tot, and as a teenager on the soccer field, I was T.W. Now students simply call me Mrs. W 🙂

My career in history and geography began right where history itself began; the Middle East! I explored three countries through this area on a college study abroad and man, was I blown away! I declared my college major as history, and the rest, as they say...is history.

CREDENTIALS
✏️ B.A. History Teaching
✏️ Experienced teacher in Utah and North Carolina
✏️ I have traveled to 5 continents, 24 US states, and 11 countries!
✏️ 4+ years teaching online
✏️ TESOL certified
✏️ Certified Nearpod Educator

FUN FACTS
🔆 My home state is famous for some of the best national parks in the country (I loved exploring these as a kid)!
🔆 I spent a summer flying over glaciers while working for an Alaskan tour company
🔆 I have two daughters and both are named after historical figures

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy is all about making social studies education fun and engaging for students in elementary and middle school. Here are the three important things I focus on:
🔹 First of all, I create a classroom where students can participate and get involved in the learning process. I include lots of interactive activities and discussions to deepen students’ understanding of historical events and concepts. I include plenty of different types of interaction so all types of learners can have fun AND learn!
🔹Secondly, I teach practical skills that students can actually use in their everyday lives. History and geography aren't just about dates and facts. They teach us important lessons that can help us make good decisions, understand different perspectives, and be more empathetic. I teach skills like analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating sources, to teach students to be informed citizens who can handle the complexities of the world.
🔹Finally, I show historical figures, current leaders, and controversial ideas in a balanced way. We explore both strengths and weaknesses of all people instead of just labeling them heroes or villains. I believe we can learn so much more from history when we see people as just that; people! Because we are also just people, we too can accomplish the same amazing things as some of our most revered figures, but we also can make the same mistakes! So let’s learn from them. I take this same approach with our current world. I encourage students to think critically which helps them appreciate how complex human nature can be.

By following these principles, I hope to make history a subject that students love and enjoy, where they can learn valuable skills and become thoughtful and understanding individuals. Sharing my love for history and geography really is my passion. I’d love to have you join my exciting quest to explore the world both past and present.