Home Page
My name is Mr. Hennessy and I am overjoyed to be working with your students!
I am a recent graduate from Western Michigan University, where I studied History, Social Studies and Spanish. I have 5 years experience working with youth through various summer camps, and have done internship placements at Linden Grove Middle School and Kalamazoo Central High School.I believe in the Social Studies classroom as a place for students to develop into responsible global citizens. I believe that it is important for school to be a place that all students feel safe to try and fail. In my classroom, I will give all students opportunities to experience appropriate challenge. I will introduce lessons that help develop skills that students need in the real world, including critical thinking skills. I will use a variety of teaching methods to help all students succeed, including introducing hands-on and inquiry based units.
About Me
- I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- My favorite part of Social Studies is learning about how people live in other time periods and places. My favorite thing to learn about is Vietnam War protest art and music.
- I love superhero comics and my favorite superhero is Supergirl.
- I love sewing, making jewelry, reading, and being outside.
- I have a dog named Mera.
Outdoor Education Experience
Working at summer camps has allowed me to observe creative ways for students to learn and develop skills through hands-on practice. I believe in taking this experience into the traditional classroom whenever possible.
During my time in the camp environment I have worked with youth to help them develop leadership skills. I created a new curriculumn for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan's Camp Merrie Woode's Leadership in Training program. This program was aimed at helping middle school through ninth grade students develop leadership skills, and to help them find ways to make their community a better place.
I have also worked with youth with a variety of disabilities, including blind and visually impared youth to help them develop confidence, and leadership and advocacy skills. During my time at Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind summer camp I worked with a team to help develop accomodations that allowed youth to experience summer camp and learn about the nature and the environment.