Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Rosalee Tela-Shoulders and David Alcox

This year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute 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 a state winner every Tuesday and Thursday, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Rosalee Tela-Shoulders and David Alcox: 

Rosalee Tela-Shoulders, Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School, American Samoa
2017 US Territories History Teacher of the Year 

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
When we were covering the Revolutionary War and students were studying up for a debate, I purposely put two students who were the best of friends on opposing sides. When they went up to share their points, the argument got so good and heated that the whole class was in an uproar. One half of the class agreed with the colonists to revolt, and the other half agreed with the loyalists to not revolt. What’s funny is that before the debate, everyone, and I mean everyone, agreed with the colonists, but these two created such great arguments that even I had to admit they almost got me to think that maybe we shouldn’t have revolted! Ha!

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
DO IT!! You will not regret it. If you LOVE to teach, the passion to stay on and continue will grow once you see the impact of your work and the effect it has on students who come into the classroom to be loved by you and hungry to learn new things everyday.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
I know it might seem cliché, but I would want to meet Martin L. King Jr. I want to hear how he felt during the Civil Rights Movement. What were his doubts, personal feelings, and so forth during this monumental time for people of color that shaped America’s history tremendously?

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
I love covering Black History month every year with my students. We are on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When students research their person of interest, we all learn something new every year about each person that shaped history through sports, medicine, arts, and education through a vast list of African Americans in American history.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
Students love Black History month because we get to explore the people that shaped history in various aspects of sports, arts, education, and medicine through the influence of African Americans. Another topic that students were very interested in this year was the discovery of America and discussions about Christopher Columbus. Students felt very strong about the issue; especially most of the students who have ties to Hawaii. It is interesting when students get into it. 

David Alcox, Milford High School
2017 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
One of my funniest moments of teaching happened in the first class I taught as a full-time educator. I was trying to break the ice with the class and tell them a little bit about myself.  At one point they all started laughing and I couldn’t help but notice one of the girls in the front row. When she smiled, fangs had popped out. Later I would find out that she was a witch and had the fangs cemented onto her incisor teeth. However, at the time, I had no idea what was going on. . . . I remember turning to the board starting to write, thinking to myself, ‘What was that???!! They don’t teach us these things in student teaching!’ It was a great introduction to the world of education and the lessons that I will always remember were 1.) You never know what to expect, and 2.) never judge a book by its cover . . . the girl ended up being one of my best students!

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
Milford, New Hampshire, has the world’s largest moccasin shop, the second largest outdoor movie theater, one of the smallest national parks (Ricciardi Hartshorn Park), the only working bell made by Paul Revere, the largest Pumpkin Fest in NH, and three Dunkin’ Donuts!

What is the last great history book you read?  
The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track by Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?  
The Newseum in Washington DC.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?  
James and Dolley Madison. They’re my personal heroes, and Dolley is, well, Dolley! She’s the original ‘First Lady’ of DC.

Who is your favorite historian?  
John Kaminski of the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

What is your favorite historical film or series?  
The Men Who Built America, and I think Dangerous Minds is probably the most non-historical film that inspired me to do a few of the things I do.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?  
The Constitutional Convention.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?  
The stories of the Founders.