Before I was selected as Missouri History Teacher of the Year for 2021, I had to submit some paperwork - a 15-page "unit" plan, a resumé, and of course, a recommendation from my supervisor. Mr. Bozarth answer some questions regarding my competency and abilities in the classroom. One such query involved how I help students develop a passion for the study of history. His response:
Mr. Hoggatt reminds me of one of my favorite college professors. His excitement and passion for American history permeate through his daily lessons. This excitement becomes contagious in his classroom where his students are eager to explore new materials and engage in the curriculum. His creativity and ability to think outside the box enable him to create an appetite in his students for the study of history.
I, too, had a teacher who developed that kind of interest in me. Though her interests were in ancient Egypt after visiting the place in the 1970s, and mine in Colonial America have been rekindled in more recent decades, we each have tried to light fires in our students through our experiences.
Terms like excitement, passion, permeate, contagious, and appetite represent strong word choices for Mr. Bozarth to use referring to my craft. I like that he also uses words like eager, explore, engage, and create ar also great descriptors for which to reach.
Terms like excitement, passion, permeate, contagious, and appetite represent strong word choices for Mr. Bozarth to use referring to my craft. I like that he also uses words like eager, explore, engage, and create ar also great descriptors for which to reach.
For all of my posts addressing the process, please see my History Teacher of the Year page.
