From small-town Wisconsin to all around the world, my life’s been a rollercoaster fueled by my love for history and hunger for knowledge. Back in the day, I got lost in my grandparents’ encyclopedias, soaking up ancient tales and sparking my imagination. My passion led me to study history and political science in college.
I wanted to go beyond the classroom and see how things really work, so I applied for an internship at the Wisconsin State Capitol and experienced real-world politics in an incredibly authentic setting. However, my curiosity stretched way beyond my home state. I jetted off to Europe, soaking up history in places like London, Poland, and Sweden. Imagine classrooms being actual countries! History came alive for me as I absorbed the stories of different cultures.
Then, destiny played its hand, and I found myself in Kazakhstan as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching English, creating exchange programs with US schools, and meeting Roslyn, my wife of 23 years. Together, we’ve explored the world and made it our own.
Nowadays, I’m all about teaching middle schoolers. I’ve got a great way of teaching the French Revolution by putting Napoleon on trial, complete with wigs, gavels, and drama. However, teaching is not just about the classroom. I’ve shown my students how to make a difference. We’ve brought the US Congressional process to life, crafted school-changing Bills, and even re-enacted the Battle of Gettysburg with water balloons. Learning’s much more fun when you can get wet while analyzing battle plans!
Through all these adventures, I’ve learned that authentic learning experiences break down barriers and light up young minds. As I look back on my journey so far, I can’t wait to see what’s next. The excitement of learning, the joy of discovery, and the magic of education keep me going—history is my anchor, and the world is my classroom.
Dotterweich Family 