Introduction

Hello. My name is Julian Weinstein. I am currently receiving my BA in United States

History with a teaching certificate in Secondary Education. My goals for my students
are for them to find their academic passion. Oftentimes, that passion can be
realized through contemporary events or experiences that create a sense of
meaning in ones life. I remember when I was in 8th grade when I had a real
interest in politics, triggered by the 2008 election and the potential to elect the first
African American presidents. This led me to become more passionate about
learning History and understanding the origins and evolution of the political process
in United States. I understand that not everyone will be immediately passionate
about History, but hopefully though the study of history, students will be able to find
something in their life that interests them that is relevant to a historical perspective,
which they wish to pursue further. My teaching philosophy is that students should
always feel that they are being respected and that they have a respect for me and
their follow students. Within that framework, students are encouraged to look at as
many perspectives as they can, while formulating sophisticated opinions and
philosophies of their own.

Class overview
Eighth-grade social studies encompasses an in-depth study of the early
history of the United States where students will use skills of historical and
geographical analysis to understand ideas and events that strengthened our
nation.
Each unit of study is presented in chronological sequence with particular
emphasis on democratic ideals, immigration and migration, citizenship and
the personal character traits of each president.
1st Quarter
Christopher Columbus
New World civilization
French Indian War
2nd Quarter
Causes leading up to revolution
American Revolution
Articles of Confederation
3rd Quarter
Constitution
Events leading up to Civil War
Civil War
4th Quarter
World War 1
World War 2
1960s-Present Day

Class Objective:
This course is designed to give students a better understanding of and a
greater appreciation for the major movements and concepts that have
characterized the United States while making thoughtful connections to the
modern world. This class is also designed for students to gain critical thinking
skills on complex topics.
Beginning of class:
Students will be expected to begin their bell work that will be written on the
board each class. Bell work is an activity that students complete as soon as
they walk into the class before the main lesson starts. Sometimes, there will
be a small announcement, discussion, or introduction before the students are
told to begin their bell work. Through my own personal experience as a
student, I realize that I am more mentally prepared to begin class if I do
some sort of activity first. As education expert, Dr. Fred Jones, states,
Students would love to bring their social environment from the hall into the
classroom. They would love to spend the first part of the class period
finishing their conversations. And they will, unless you clearly structure a
change in behavior. Bell work, therefore, is a good way for students to
transition from their social life to their academics.
Journal
Students will be asked to keep their bell work and additional work in a journal
at the beginning of class. They will turn in their journal at the end of each
quarter and will be graded on their work. If they missed a day in class, they
must ask the teacher for the journal entry so they can catch up.
Transition between assignments
After students finish their bell work, they will be permitted to talk among
themselves with students sitting next to them. They must stay in their seats.
During the class students will get an opportunity to get up out of their seats
every class, and sometimes they will aerobic activities. Studies have shown
movement fuels the brain with oxygen, but it also causes increased
cognition, better memory, and reduced likelihood of depression (Jensen,
2005).
Parent Teacher Communication
Parents or Students should feel to contact me for any questions or concerns.
I will respond ASAP. My email is julianweinstein@exampleschool.org. All

class assignments, notifications, and announcements will be posted on the

student-parent portal. If a parent or student wishes to speak with me in
person, they may come see me during my office hours after setting up an
appointment.

Student Rules and Responsibilities

1. Come in with a positive attitude. This class should be fun. I will deduct
participation points for distracting or negative behavior that interferes
with everyone being able to participate in and enjoy the class
2. Treat everyone with respect. This class will have the opportunity for
students to engage in academic debate; that does not give you the
right to insult anyone.
3. Do not use personal phones, computers, or tablets for anything that
isnt directly related to classwork.
4. Have pride in your work. I tend to avoid assigning trivial, meticulous
work; so for the work that I do assign, please take time with it and put
forth your best effort.
5. Stay organized. I am not in charge of you doing your assignments or
project. When I assign something, I will say when it is due. Its your job
to turn it on time and stay on top of things. I will also give you plenty of
time to study for tests. Dont wait till the last minute to study for tests.
6. Be proactive. If you are struggling, come to me for assistance. I will be
much more inclined to help you out if you take the initiative to talk to
me other than vise-versa.
7. Adhere to the school rules. I don't make them, but I will enforce them.
That includes dress code, appropriate language, academic integrity,
etc.
8. Do your own work. This is perhaps the biggest rule. If I catch you
cheating or plagiarizing on even the smallest assignment, you will not
like your punishment. Best case scenario, a whole letter grade
deduction. Worst case scenario: I fail you and you risk expulsion from
the school. So do your own work.
Consequences
1. Behavior issues: If a student is violating rule 1, 2, 3, or additional
behavior that is distracting to the class, he/she will first be given a
warning. If the student repeats that behavior in the same class, they
will be asked to stay after class to speak with me. If it is repeated a
third time, the student will receive a Think Sheet, in which they have
do write down what they did, why they did it, and how they will not do
it again. They will have to get it signed by the principal and their
parents and return it to me before they can receive credit for any more

assignments. If the student gets 3 or more Think Sheets, they will

lose a letter grade. If a student receives 5 or more, they may fail the
class.
2. If a student is having issues with rule 5 or 6, they may be asked to
attend an IEP meeting with a special education teacher and their
parents. Note that they will not be in trouble if this happens; it is only
for their own benefit to succeed as a student.
3. If a student is facing issues with the academic integrity policy, there
will be serious consequences. In order that students learn the
importance of doing their own work, if they are caught cheating or
copying off of someone else, they will receive a 0 and an automatic
letter grade reduction. If they are caught plagiarizing, they may be
automatically failed based on the severity of the plagiarism.
Homework/Late Policy
I do not plan on assigning a lot of homework. I believe that if students
participate well in class and complete the assignments, they can focus most
of their energy on the exams and bigger assignments. However, this policy is
subject to change if I see a lack of effort on the assignments I do assign. I will
accept late work for 50% off for up to 2 weeks, then I will not accept it. Each
student will also receive a late homework pass. This gives the student one
whole extra school day to do the assignment. This may NOT be used for a
major individual or group project. If students dont use their late assignment
pass for the whole semester, they will be given 20 bonus points (about 2%).
Supplies
Spiral notebook (8 x 11, 70 pages, college width)
Binder or 2 pockets, 3 prong folder
Binder paper
Highlighter
Box of colored pencils
2 Pencils
School Planner
Absences/Tardy
If students have an excused absence, they will be able to make up the quiz
or test the next day they are at school. Assignments that are submitted
online will still be due that day. Assignments that are required to turn in
person will be allowed an extra day. However, this is only for excused
absences. Students are only allowed 10 excused absences unless there are
extenuating circumstances. If they come to class late, they lose a
participation point for the day, unless its excused. If they are more than 15
minutes late, they lose 5 participation points.
Bathroom Policy

Go to the bathroom if necessary. Youre in 8th grade now, you dont need to
ask. However, I am not responsible for what you missed when you are gone;
Im not going to wait for you. If this becomes an issue, the bathroom policy
may be subject to change.
Extra Credit
There will be some opportunities for extra credit, whether it be on an exam
or an extra assignment. However, there will be a limit to how much extra
credit you can earn.
Extra Help
I am more than willing to help you with anything you need during lunch or
after school if I am available. If you know youre going to need my help and
you want to be sure that Ill be available, make an appointment with me
either in person or via email.

Sources:
Jensen, Eric. Teaching with the Brain in Mind, 2Nd Edition. 2005, Print.

Staff, GreatSchols. "How Important Is Cultural Diversity at Your School? | Parenting."

Parenting. N.p., 6 Mar. 2016. Web

Jones, Fred. "Beginning the New School Year: Bell Work." Education World: Tools for
Teaching. N.p., n.d. Web

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/jones/jones020.shtml