"My name is Seth. I have a PhD in History from Boston University. I specialize in twentieth-century American political and intellectual history, although my training is broad and includes nineteenth-century American history, religious history, and world history. I also have a Master's degree in History from the University of Utah, and a BA and BS from Arizona State University in Russian and Economics. I've learned from many skilled educators and have taught many different types of students over the years. I love teaching and love to see my students set then achieve goals and develop as critical thinkers and scholars.

I've taught at the college level and I currently teach history and civics in a local high school. Learning how to think like a historian, analyze historical sources, and make an argument are skills that have multiple uses beyond a history class. My teaching philosophy is that the student who does the work does the learning and my role as an educator is to help students think critically and with nuance. As is true when developing any skill, this takes time, practice, and patience.

History is more than just learning dates and obscure facts: it is learning how to think in complex ways and how to make arguments that are supported by evidence and analysis. My lesson plans are a mix of lecture and discussion, supplemented with assignments that allow students to put into practice historical skills through research and writing.

My goal is to help students succeed, and therefore I am open to suggestions and resources from students and parents. I am easy to reach and will always provide quick responses." less...