Shaping the future
Morgan knew she wanted to teach even before she was old enough to go to school. At Northwestern, she found a close-knit, faith-centered community that helped her turn her dream into a reality. She says her professors illuminated the human side of history and equipped her with the tools to teach historical thinking skills to her high school students.Why did you choose Northwestern College?
I transferred to Northwestern at the beginning of my sophomore year of college. I wanted a school with smaller class sizes; the ability to live in a faith-centered community; and a space to build relationships with faculty, staff and peers. Northwestern gives students that opportunity with the close-knit community and many options for involvement. The minute I stepped onto campus for a tour near the end of my freshman year, I realized there was nowhere else I’d rather be for the next three years. It felt like a home away from home immediately.
What led you to study education at Northwestern?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher before I even went to kindergarten. Any college I chose needed to have a great education program that prepares teaching candidates well for the work they will be doing when they enter the profession. When I toured, I had the opportunity to meet with faculty who answered all of my questions confidently and students who were so friendly. I felt comfortable and confident in my choice.
What drew you to teaching history and social studies?
Originally, I thought I would be an elementary-level teacher, but I eventually realized that I much preferred working with high school students. I have always had a love for learning new things about the past that shape the way we live today. Being able to share that knowledge and help build historical thinking skills with students quickly became a passion of mine.
What are the strengths of Northwestern’s social studies teaching program?
Northwestern’s program goes beyond textbook-level learning. Courses focus on primary sources, historical texts and class discussions that help us connect with the human side of history. Focusing on the human side leads us to view history from multiple perspectives and to consider how major historical movements affected the ordinary people, not just the influential. Professors encouraged us to ask questions, discuss ideas with our classmates and think critically about the evidence so we could form our own conclusions about what history can teach us about the past, present and future.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Northwestern?
First semester of my sophomore year I was taking a history course with Dr. Kugler, and one of the assignments involved watching a movie to show how mainstream media teaches history to people compared to the work historians do. I did not want to watch the movie by myself, so I invited some acquaintances in my dorm to watch it with me. That night led to regular movie nights with this group, who are to this day some of my closest friends. I loved the little moments, conversations and chill nights that led to lifelong memories and deep friendships.