About+Me


 * Personal Statement**

The most influential people in our lives growing up, beyond our parents, are our teachers. I was fortunate to attend one of the great public high schools in St. Louis, Kirkwood High. It is one the oldest communities in the city, with a rich storied tradition. I grew up with all the self-confidence my father could give me. As I began to grow into adulthood I thought more and more about going into teaching. My mother had been an educator, along with my sister today. I see the classroom as a forum to help our youth of America standup to the challenges of today; and to not feel fear but to feel hope. As Jefferson said we are all citizens of the world, and what affects one of us, affects us all. I want to help educate our children that our high school community is connected to the world. And, that they are all students and citizens of the world. I see myself helping toaccomplish this connection for all American students by teaching history and social studies. In the future I want to teach AP history courses. And, encourage all students to enroll in them, just as the teacher in the film //Stand and Deliver//.All students should be challenged by at least one AP course in high school. My AP U.S. history teacher Mr.Platte inspired me to critically think about what history means. In class we would critical analysis primary sources like the Federalist Papers and later in the week we would have a class debate, for example, between the Federalists and the anti-Federalists. Mr. Platte got us to think on a much deeper level about history. I remember Frau Stevens, my German teacher she enlightened my eyes to the world beyond our American borders. We travelled to Deutschland together. When one travels overseas, one sees the positives and negatives of not just new lands but ofhome. Perspective is a step towards wisdom and self-realization is a step toward self-identification. These principles of life I believe are a part of want it means to be educated what its means to educate. My cross country coach Mr. Baldwin is one of the toughest men I ever meet. Iran cross country all four years in high school. It was hard. The sense of accomplishment was well worth the pain. He taught us ethics, how to work with your teammates, and how to take care of yourself by being healthy. He taught us life is hardand to live your principles daily. Lastly, Coach Baldwin taught us 'carpe denim,' seize the day. He said, you are in charge of your own life. I want to take all the beautiful experiences from my non-profit campaignd, working with young people and apply it to younger people in the class room. Education is knowledge, and with that knowledge comes self growth. We all realize we are at a crossroads as a nation and a planet. I believe from the bottom of my heart, my best way to continue to bring about solutions is to teach. I know this is my calling. I want to be that guiding influence, just as my teachers were for me.

I am from St. Louis, the River City of the mighty Mississippi. I am from barbeque summer dinners. I am from the hallow grounds of Busch Stadium where my beloved Cardinals player and fan community meet 6 hopefully 7 months every year to celebrate our love for the game and our American culture. I am from Marde Grais, and St. Pattie's day. I am from good beer and good brats. I from the blues. I am from tradition and hope. I am from ritual and progress. I am from our Thanksgiving, when we play the Turkey Day Game at high noon and my brother-in-law become arch rivials for one day-Kirkwood and Webster- two old tribes of St. Louis-meet on the field once again. I am part of the new spirit of St. Louis. I am from Germany and Ireland, I am from the Church, and now I am an American. I am forced to live in hope for the future. I am from the cities of America, both old and new hoping they can shine once again. Where hopes ride on people coming together and those reflect at times on the Blazers and the Blues to win. I am from carpe diem. I am from seeking one's calling in life. I am from - its okay to get knck down, but you better stand up and fight on. I am from life is hard, and any body telling you different is selling something. I from a culture that prides itslef on inclusivness. I am from lets all have a parade together and lets all have a party together-the whole city. I am from strong ethics and principles, that msut be stood for daily. I am from getting mad, and doing something about it. I am from if you want to make it happen, than find a way to make it happen.
 * More About Me-**

Roland Kerner, M.ED. rolandk@pdx.edu

National Council For Social Studies Mission Statement

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