Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Rhonda Watton, Wisconsin

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 Rhonda Watton:

Rhonda Watton, Templeton Middle School
2017 Wisconsin History Teacher of the Year 

What is the last great history book you read?
The last OUTSTANDING history book I read and highly recommend is Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance That Forged America by Stephen Knott and Tony Williams.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite historical site. There is nothing better than literally stepping back into history and being immersed in the day-to-day activities of the eighteenth century. Even after being there several times, I always walk away with a deeper understanding of the time period and new perspectives on the colonists and early Americans. Colonial Williamsburg has an outstanding teacher summer institute for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
Although there are MANY historical figures I would love to meet, I am always intrigued with Ben Franklin. I think his combination of wit and wisdom would make for some interesting conversation, plus I’m sure he’d have me laughing for hours.

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
I always enjoy bringing history to life. After meeting an Abraham Lincoln impersonator at our state social studies conference one year, it is exciting to be able to bring him to my school every year during our Civil War unit!

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
I grew up on a dairy farm in Reedsburg, Wisconsin—otherwise known as the "Butter Capital of America." Each year there is the annual Butter Festival and "Run for the Butter" race. Another other fun fact about Reedsburg is that the 90th meridian passes directly through the city.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
Education is a very challenging, yet exciting career. There is nothing I would rather do than share my love for history and for learning with my students. Every day is a new day and it is what you make it—after all, you create the lessons plans! It’s a rewarding feeling to watch your students develop into young civic-minded adults who will make a positive change in our world.

Who is your favorite historian?
No one can have just one favorite historian. Having taking classes from or attended summer institutes with Gordon Wood, Joe Ellis, and Stephen Knott, I put them all on top of my list!

What is your favorite historical film or series?
My favorite historical film is the PBS mini-series about John Adams. Having participated in the Gilder Lehrman teacher seminar about John Adams with Joe Ellis made it even the more interesting and invoked some great conversation of the time period. I use several clips from the series in my classes . . . minus the tarring-and-feathering scene.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
I always find whatever I am teaching at the moment to be my favorite historical era; however, I tend to gravitate toward the Revolutionary period and early Republic as my favorites.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
My students tend to gravitate most toward the major wars we study, particularly the Revolutionary War and Civil War.