This week, get to know Kevin Jacobson, Middle School Integrated History Teacher in 8th grade!
What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
I can only really speak to the 8th graders at this point, and I would say that I’ve been struck by their youthful exuberance. At this age, students are often “too cool for school” and that’s not what I’ve observed. Hillbrook 8th graders have been quite game!
What is your favorite unit or project?
I’ve organized our course around an essential question that will resonate in all units: “What are some of the conditions that have created hysteria at different moments in American history?”
Most recently, I was thrilled by how the 8th grade teachers collaborated in order to create meaningful curriculum around September 11 (mostly from scratch) in order to prep them for the visit to the Los Gatos Veterans’ War Memorial. I like to begin most classes with a song that has historical significance and to get the students singing – and this has been going really well so far.
The unit that I’m most looking forward to teaching is a unit on the 1950s, where we look at the conditions that created hysteria in that decade which includes a research project. Students will be learning about and then presenting on an American artist who was black-listed in this time period.
What made you choose to come to Hillbrook to teach?
After many years in school administration, I was eager to teach again and be in a role where I was relating with students more directly. I’ve known Mark [Hillbrook’s Head of School] for many years and have always respected his wisdom and collegiality. I loved the setting and I was particularly excited to teach at a school with an admirable history of progressive ideals and pedagogies.
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook in the next few months?
As a new teacher to Hillbrook, I’m curious about and looking forward to everything, really! I’m excited to live “the cycle of the year” to get a sense of the rhythm and flow. I’m eager to participate in the trip to Washington D.C.! I’ve also heard about a student/faculty basketball game and I’m looking forward to giving kids a run for their money!
What is the last place you visited/traveled to or book that you read?
The last place I visited was Brooklyn, NY! The last book I read was There There by Tommy Orange.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Mr. J!