Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Adam Johnson, Alaska

This year, Gilder Lehrman recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students. 

But who are they, really? We asked these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Adam Johnson: 

Adam Johnson, Romig Middle School 
2017 Alaska State History Teacher of the Year

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
One year I had a student named Christopher in one of my 7th grade classes. Christopher, who has autism, had a very difficult year. Although he had a lot of discipline issues, I developed a rapport with him and convinced him to join the wrestling and track teams. Gradually as the year progressed, Christopher made more connections with students and staff. He had a difficult home life as well and when the year ended, it was difficult to see him leave. Surprisingly the next year I moved up to 8th grade and had Christopher in my class again. I worked with a great group of teachers that year, and Christopher had an excellent year, making honor roll and getting zero discipline referrals. On the very last day of school, during the end of the year award ceremony, he was selected as the student of the year for our middle school team. I choked up a little when I saw him receive the award—he was so happy. The crowd gave him a huge ovation. That one moment was probably the happiest moment in his life. He went off to high school, wrestled all four years and now attends the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
Anchorage, Alaska, was supposed to be called Ship Creek, which is the waterway that runs through downtown. The citizens in 1915 voted between three names: Ship Creek, Alaska City, and Anchorage. They chose Alaska City. However, the US postal service in Washington DC chose to name it Anchorage after a popular hardwood store it was sending mail to. After so much mail started coming in to Anchorage, the Alaska Territorial Legislature voted to make the town’s name officially Anchorage.

What is the last great history book you read?
The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin is a great read. Anyone who likes the modern history of the Supreme Court should read this book.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
The National Constitution Center is an excellent museum. It is both modern and kid friendly. They did a good job making it interactive.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
After I became a teacher I emailed my favorite teacher from high school. He reminded me that teaching is a calling. You might not make a ton of money, but teaching is very meaningful job. If you love working with kids and are devoted to the craft then you will enjoy teaching. You will make great memories, have funny stories, and have so many "light bulb" moments in your career that you won’t be able to count all of them. You can make a difference in kids’ lives, and when that happens, it is the best feeling in the world.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
Ben Franklin. He would be a very interesting figure to hang out with. You could have political discourse and party at the same time. There is no other person in American history like Ben Franklin.

Who is your favorite historian?
I really enjoy the works of Jon Meacham. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power is essential for anyone who wants to understand the mindset of Jefferson. He has also has written about Winston Churchill, Andrew Jackson, and George Washington.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
The King’s Speech is one of my all-time favorite movies about a historical event, followed closely by Patton, and Saving Private Ryan.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
Definitely. I enjoy teaching and learning about the Philadelphia Convention. This event can relate to so many topics in history before and after it happened—it is timeless.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
We spend a lot of time focusing on government and the Constitution. We conduct a lot of debates using real-life examples from the past and today, from slavery to gay rights.