Andrea Runnels is a former classroom teacher
from metro Atlanta turned full-time Social Studies consultant. She spent 16 and
a half years in the classroom, primarily teaching 5th grade. She is
ESOL and Gifted certified and also Montessori trained, which provides her with
the experience and background to modify Social Studies for a wide range of
learners. See her website at www.thesocialstudieswhisperer.com .
1. How and/or when did you get you hooked on history?
I have been fascinated by American History ever since
I was little. I remember being obsessed with The Oregon Trail in elementary
school. I credit my interest in history to my parents and grandmother, who
shared family stories and artifacts with my siblings and I which made that
personal connection. We also visited Washington D.C. multiple times since my
aunt lived in the area. I take a really vested interest because I can trace my
roots back to the Mayflower on both sides of my lineage. I also come from a
long line of military veterans which fills my heart with patriotic pride.
Samuel Rogers, one of my ancestors, proudly displays his Union blues in a
picture that hangs in my parents’ house and both of my grandfathers served
during WWII! I was born at Fort Benning during my dad’s time in the army.
2. What role does history play or has it
played in your personal life?
History definitely plays a significant role in my
personal life. I would say the majority of the books I have read in my life
have been historical fiction. High school term paper? Gone with the Wind.
Favorite movies? All historical fiction. I have visited many museums and
historical spots in the south. As a parent I have tried to expose my kids to
these experiences, too. Tried. Somehow I ended up with two math whizzes who
barely tolerate my passion. For some odd reason, connecting with historical
sights grounds me. When I lived in Snellville, I loved walking at the Yellow
River Post Office Park. I would think about who may have visited that post
office or wonder about the family that may have lived in the restored slave
cabin.
3. How is/How was history a part of your professional life/career?
American History and writing have always been my
favorite subjects to teach. I made it my mission to make instruction creative
and engaging because I wanted students to have a mindset shift about history. I
always integrated literacy into my content, too. I was super excited to serve
on the Gwinnett County Social Studies Leadership Team last year because I
already had the reputation as a “guru” at my local school. I began blogging and
creating digital resources while still in the classroom. And along that journey
I have built up a community of teachers through my Facebook group Social
Studies Salute. After beginning live streaming, I watched my audience grow even
more. I knew that teachers needed to hear what I have to say. I decided after a
huge life epiphany that last year would be my final tour of duty in the
classroom. Igniting a revolution to bring American History back is my calling
and that vision spreads beyond four cinder block walls.
4. Why is studying/knowing history important?
To paraphrase the famous quote, “Those who don’t learn
from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat it.” I think it is our duty
as American citizens to understand the sacrifices and struggles that our
forefathers have experienced to bring us to the way of life we are so fortunate
to experience today. I feel that sometimes we take things for granted and
complain about what I call “first world problems.” There are untold stories
from the past that get left out of textbooks. Such regaling tales of overcoming
adversity and perseverance and grit that students have no clue about. You can
find inspiration for challenges you face by learning lessons from people in the
past. Once on a Periscope broadcast, someone commented and said something about
why history doesn’t matter and that we need to worry about what’s going in the
news today. Well, his remark featured some far more colorful language. My
response was that is exactly why we need to study history! Many of the issues
involving race and civil rights are the remnants of decades of strife. They
aren’t unique to 2016. I feel that if people really took a closer look at the
struggle of Congressman John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. and the magnitude
of what life was like in the 1960s their perspective would really change.
5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about
and why?
WOW!! So hard to pick. I am definitely Team American
History. I find the story of Pompeii really interesting but other than that I
really favor my own country’s heritage. I LOVE learning about the Civil War and
WWII and I don’t know if I could pick a favorite between those two. I think
maybe it’s because I know my family members were a part of both. The movie Free
State of Jones was such a powerful movie and just validated my mission.
Sometimes I feel like I’m alone in spreading my love of American History (but
obviously I’m not). I love learning about life on the home front during both
time periods and getting to know the personal stories. The changing role of
women during WWII and the gravity of the Tuskegee Airmen actually being in
combat and the brilliance and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers just floor me.
6. What makes you the Social Studies Whisperer? How did that come
about?
I guess dubbing myself “The Social Studies Whisperer”
sure means I better bring the awesome. My business and website used to be
Running Things with Runnels, which was a play on words. To me it was a state of
mind to help people run their classrooms more effectively. To others, it was a
source of bewilderment for why I did not have tennis shoes and fitness tips.
Well, as I left the classroom and got real with myself this summer about my
clever pun I decided I should rebrand and clarify. What does the Dog Whisperer
do? He takes challenging situations with sometimes insurmountable odds and
reframes them into something that works for everyone. Well, essentially I know
the odds are stacked against American History instruction. If there is one
thing I am blessed with it is the ability to take an idea and spark another
one. I know I can help teachers and homeschooling families fit in history when
they feel like they don’t have time. Integrating literacy makes that excuse
invalid. I always started my lessons in unique and engaging ways that really hooked
kids and I feel like with a few tweaks other teachers can do the same. It is
hard work trying to save the world but I feel strongly in my mission. I want to
take what may seem like impossible odds and turn that around into something
that teachers look forward to teaching. When I talk about American History and
my passion my face lights up and people respond. When I write about it, words
flow almost endlessly. I don’t want to tell people how to run their classrooms
or homeschooling family. I hope that by sharing what I have done or resources I
have created or found that I will inspire others.
7. What are the challenges in social studies educations today
and why is it important to meet and overcome those challenges?
I often refer to Social Studies as the
redheaded stepchild of education. And as a redhead myself, I can say that.
There is such a push for Reading and Math, history gets lost in the shuffle.
STEM is such a key component of instruction in the digital age. Don’t even get
me started on testing being a problem. Teachers are forced to fly through
curriculum to make sure kids are prepared for a test. If there is a shortage of
time, what subject gets dropped? You guessed it. Many teachers loathe teaching
history because they think it’s boring due to their connotation from their own
schooling. Well, they are right! Just memorizing dates and places on a map
using dusty, drab textbooks and mundane workbooks or worksheets is terribly
dull. I believe in connecting the past to the present and infusing your own
interests and passions into instruction. I really didn’t exactly love teaching
Science so I taught it primarily through literacy. Kids can learn a lot writing
song parodies about the Scientific Method. When teachers put their own spin on
lessons and show enthusiasm kids will be so much more connected to the content.
I know many teachers struggle with the wide range of learners in a class.
That’s why I create a lot of products to modify instruction for English
Language Learners so they feel included. That’s why I believe in incorporating
music, pop culture, and the arts. If we don’t overcome the challenges and
problem solve to make sure students learn history, I fear for the next
generation. American History should be the first thing taught not the last.
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