Dale Kern » Staff Profile

Staff Profile

Greetings!

 

My name is Dale Kern and I’m the High School Social Studies teacher and Senior Advocate. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History from Tennessee State University where I also minored in Political Science. While I was there, the emphasis of my studies centered around eras of social change in US history and the practices implemented by people who sought social justice. I earned my State of Colorado teaching license through the ASPIRE to Teach Alternative Licensure Program at CU Denver.  

 

 The 2023-2024 school year will be my eighth year of teaching and my fifth at Westgate. Before coming to Westgate, I taught US History and Music at Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center in Golden where I worked with at-risk youth who were in the custody of the Division of Youth Services. My time at Lookout gave me experience practicing trauma-informed care and guided me in adopting the principles associated with TIC; safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment.

 

As a social studies teacher, I believe that it is imperative to not only develop the readiness of my students as critical thinkers and engaged citizens; but to also help facilitate learning experiences where they can find growth and personal enrichment.

 

In my free time I enjoy backpacking, traveling, and snowboarding. I'm also a musician and I play guitar in a few local bands around Northern Colorado. 

 

Classes

Posts

World History 11th Grade - Week of 4/22 - 4/26

Hey Folks!

This week we will move onto Topic 9 Crisis and Absolutism.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

What are the differences, if any, between a military dictatorship and a king ruling by “divine right”?

Learning Objectives

Topic 9.1 Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion

Objectives: Understand the causes for why religious and political conflicts erupted between Protestants and Catholics in many European nations. Compare and contrast why King Philip II championed Catholic causes throughout his lands, while England became the leader of Protestant nations of Europe. Describe how England defeated Spain at sea.

Topic 9.2 Social Crises, War, and Revolution

Objects: Understand why social, economic, and religious conflicts challenged the established political order throughout Europe. Understand how population decline in Europe and the hysteria of witchcraft trials contributed to economic and social problems in seventeenth-century Europe. Describe how Europeans responded to economic and social problems.

Topic 9.3 Response to Crisis: Absolutism

Objectives: Describe how France became the greatest power of the seventeenth century. Understand the reasons why Prussia, Austria, and Russia also emerged as great European powers. Summarize the accomplishments of Peter the Great.

Topic 9.4 The World of European Culture

Objectives: Understand how art and literature reflected people’s spiritual perceptions and the human condition.

Describe how the artistic movements of Mannerism and the baroque began in Italy and reflected the spiritual perceptions of the time. Learn how mannerism depicted the tensions in society after the Renaissance.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 9.1 Europe in Crisis: The Wars of Religion
  2. Topic 9.2 Social Crises, War, and Revolution
  3. Topic 9.3 Response to Crisis: Absolutism
  4. Topic 9.4 The World of European Culture
  5. Quiz

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 8.1 The Ottomans Build a Vast Empire
  2. Topic 8.2 Cultural Blending and The Birth of Modern Persia
  3. Topic 8.3 The Mughal Empire in India
  4. Topic 8 Quiz

World History – Week of 4/22 - 4/29

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue writing our research papers. Please bring a charged computer.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

What are good sources to use on my historical research paper?

Learning Objectives

This Week’s Assignments

  1. One-on-One Check In
  2. Three Page Submission
  3. Citations and Works Cited/Bibliography

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. One-on-One Check In
  2. One Page Submission

Contemporary World Issues - Week of 4/22 - 4/26

Hey Folks! This week we will do a News Review and Analysis for Media Journals on Tuesday. On Thursday we update Topic posts and discuss our individual topics.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

What are the subjective and objective factors that go into the transmission of world events to the public?

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

Intro to Philosophy - Week of 4/22 - 4/26

Hey Folks!

This week we continue reading Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

Explore the theme of disillusionment in the chapter "Samsara." How does Siddhartha's realization of the emptiness and transience of worldly pursuits influence his outlook on life?

Learning Objectives

Topic 3.5 Siddhartha: With the Childlike People

Objectives: Explore the significance of Siddhartha's encounter with the ferryman Vasudeva and the river, focusing on how these elements represent spiritual guidance and enlightenment in the novel. Analyze the themes of reflection and introspection in Chapter 5, considering how Siddhartha's experiences with Vasudeva deepen his understanding of the self and the nature of reality. Evaluate the role of nature and the natural world in Siddhartha's journey, examining how his connection to the river and the forest facilitates his spiritual growth and transformation.

Topic 3.6 Siddhartha: Samsara

Objectives: Explore the theme of worldly attachments and desires in "Samsara," analyzing how Siddhartha's experiences in the city challenge his spiritual journey and his pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. Examine the symbolism of the city of Samsara in the novel, considering how it represents the cycle of suffering, the illusion of material wealth and success, and the transient nature of worldly pleasures. Evaluate Siddhartha's internal conflict and growth in the chapter "Samsara," focusing on his realization of the emptiness and futility of worldly pursuits and his subsequent quest for deeper meaning and spiritual fulfillment.

Topic 3.7 Siddhartha: By the River

Objectives: Analyze the significance of Siddhartha's encounters with the river and the ferryman Vasudeva, exploring how these elements represent spiritual guidance, self-discovery, and enlightenment in the novel. Evaluate the themes of reflection, introspection, and interconnectedness in "By the River," considering how Siddhartha's experiences with Vasudeva deepen his understanding of the self, the nature of reality, and the interconnectedness of all things. Reflect on Siddhartha's transformation and growth in the chapter "By the River," focusing on his journey from restlessness and discontent to inner peace and enlightenment as he learns to listen to the wisdom of the river and embrace the present moment.

Topic 3.8 Siddhartha: The Ferryman

Objectives: Examine the role of the ferryman Vasudeva as a mentor and guide to Siddhartha, analyzing how his teachings and example facilitate Siddhartha's spiritual growth and understanding. Explore the themes of simplicity, acceptance, and interconnectedness in "The Ferryman," considering how Siddhartha's interactions with Vasudeva deepen his appreciation for the present moment and his connection to the natural world. Evaluate Siddhartha's journey towards enlightenment in the chapter "The Ferryman," focusing on his development from a restless seeker to a wise and enlightened individual as he learns from Vasudeva's patience, wisdom, and attunement to the rhythms of life.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 3.5 Siddhartha: With the Childlike People
  2. Topic 3.6 Siddhartha: Samsara
  3. Topic 3.7 Siddhartha: By the River
  4. Topic 3.8 Siddhartha: The Ferryman

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 3.3 Siddhartha: Chapter 3 Gotama
  2. Topic 3.4 Siddhartha: Chapter 4 Kamala

US History – Week of 4/22 - 4/26

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue Topic 17 The Vietnam War Era.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

We often discuss how the American ideals that we champion are sometimes forgotten or dismissed when it doesn’t suit the US interests. What specific incident from this topic highlights the United States’ refusal to support democracy and the right to self-determination in Vietnam?

Learning Objectives

Topic 17.3 America’s Role Escalates

Objectives: Identify the factors that caused President Johnson to increase American troop strength in Vietnam. Assess the nature of the war in Vietnam and the difficulties faced by both sides. Evaluate the effects of low morale on American troops and on the home front.

Topic 17.4 The War Divides America

Objectives: Describe the divisions within American society over the Vietnam War. Analyze the Tet Offensive and the American reaction to it. Summarize the factors that influenced the outcome of the 1968 presidential election.

Topic 17.5 The War’s End and Effects

Objectives: Assess Nixon’s new approach to the war, and explain why protests continued. Explain what led to the Paris Peace Accords and why South Vietnam eventually fell to the communists. Evaluate the impact of the Vietnam War on the United States.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 17.3 America’s Role Escalates
  2. Topic 17.4 The War Divides America
  3. Topic 17.5 The War’s End and Effects

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 17.1 The Cold War and Vietnam
  2. Topic 17.2 The Beginning of the War in Vietnam

World History - Week of 4/15 - 4/19

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue writing our research papers. You should all be working on your body sections. Please bring a charged computer.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

What are good sources to use on my historical research paper?

Learning Objectives

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Week 4 Checkpoint
  2. One Page Turn in Assignment

US History – Week of 4/15 - 4/19

Hey Folks!

This week we will begin Topic 17 The Vietnam War Era.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

We often discuss how the American ideals that we champion are sometimes forgotten or dismissed when it doesn’t suit the US interests. What specific incident from this topic highlights the United States’ refusal to support democracy and the right to self-determination in Vietnam?

Learning Objectives

Topic 17.1 The Cold War and Vietnam

Objectives: Explain the steps Kennedy took to change American foreign policy. Analyze the causes and effects of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Assess the results of the Berlin Crisis and other foreign-policy events of the 1960s.

Topic 17.2 The Beginning of the War in Vietnam

Objectives: Describe the reasons that the United States helped the French fight the Vietnamese. Identify ways in which the United States opposed communism in Southeast Asia. Analyze how the United States increased its involvement in Vietnam.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 17.1 The Cold War and Vietnam
  2. Topic 17.2 The Beginning of the War in Vietnam

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 16.4 Kennedy’s Reforms
  2. Topic 16.5 Reform Under Johnson

Contemporary World Issues - Week of 4/15 - 4/19

 

Hey Folks! This week we will do a News Review and Analysis for Media Journals on Tuesday.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

What are the subjective and objective factors that go into the transmission of world events to the public?

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

Intro to Philosophy - Week of 4/15 - 4/19

Hey Folks!

This week we continue reading Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

What initial impressions do you form about Siddhartha's character based on his actions and interactions in Chapter 1? How do you anticipate his journey will unfold based on these early observations?

Learning Objectives

Topic 3.3 Siddhartha: Chapter 3 Gotama

Objectives: Understand the historical and cultural context surrounding the character of Gotama and his significance within the novel "Siddhartha," including his portrayal as the Buddha. Examine the philosophical and spiritual concepts presented by Gotama, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and evaluate their impact on Siddhartha's understanding of enlightenment and the nature of suffering. Evaluate Siddhartha's decision not to become a follower of Gotama, analyzing the reasons behind his choice and the implications for his personal journey towards enlightenment.

Topic 3.3 Siddhartha: Chapter 4 Kamala

Objectives: Analyze Siddhartha's experiences in the city of Samsara, focusing on his interactions with Kamala and Kamaswami, to understand the novel's exploration of materialism versus spirituality and its impact on Siddhartha's journey of self-discovery. Examine the symbolism of Siddhartha's immersion in worldly pleasures and his pursuit of wealth and status, considering how these experiences contribute to his character development and challenge his understanding of happiness and fulfillment. Evaluate the consequences of Siddhartha's choices during his time in Samsara, particularly in his relationships with Kamala and Kamaswami, to discern the themes of attachment and detachment and their significance in Siddhartha's pursuit of enlightenment.

Topic 3.5 Siddhartha: With the Childlike People

Objectives: Explore the significance of Siddhartha's encounter with the ferryman Vasudeva and the river, focusing on how these elements represent spiritual guidance and enlightenment in the novel. Analyze the themes of reflection and introspection in Chapter 5, considering how Siddhartha's experiences with Vasudeva deepen his understanding of the self and the nature of reality. Evaluate the role of nature and the natural world in Siddhartha's journey, examining how his connection to the river and the forest facilitates his spiritual growth and transformation.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 3.3 Siddhartha: Chapter 3 Gotama
  2. Topic 3.4 Siddhartha: Chapter 4 Kamala
  3. Topic 3.5 Siddhartha: Chapter 5 With the Childlike People

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Aristotle – ‘On Friendship’ Analysis
  2. Siddhartha Chapter 1

World History – Week of 4/8-4/12

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue writing our research papers. You should all be working on your body sections. Please bring a charged computer.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

What are good sources to use on my historical research paper?

Learning Objectives

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Week 3 Checkpoint
  2. One-on-One Check In with Kern

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Researching Online
  2. Research Paper Topic
  3. Research Paper Outline

Contemporary World Issues - Week of 4/8-4/12

Hey Folks! This week we will do a News Review and Analysis for Media Journals on Tuesday. On Thursday we update Topic posts and discuss our individual topics.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

What are the subjective and objective factors that go into the transmission of world events to the public?

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Media Journal
  2. Topic Posts

US History – Week of 4/8-4/12

Hey Folks!

Welcome back!!!

This week we will finish Topic 16 The Civil Rights Movement and have a quiz on Thursday.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

Many people credit Kennedy for initiating the “moon shot” by inspiring Americans to greater expectations. What current day issue(s) could a “moon shot” speech inspire Americans to accomplish?

Learning Objectives

Topic 16.4 Kennedy’s Reforms

Objectives: Discuss the election of 1960. Evaluate Kennedy’s domestic policies. Assess the impact of the Kennedy assassination.

Topic 16.5 Reform Under Johnson

Objectives: Evaluate Johnson’s policies up to his victory in the 1964 presidential election. Analyze Johnson’s goals and actions as seen in his Great Society programs. Assess the achievements of the Great Society.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 16.4 Kennedy’s Reforms
  2. Topic 16.5 Reform Under Johnson

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 16.3 Successes and Setbacks

Intro to Philosophy - Week of 3/18 - 3/22

Hey Folks!

This week we finish our unit on the Greek Philosophers and discuss Aristotle’s view of friendship. On Wednesday we begin reading Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

What initial impressions do you form about Siddhartha's character based on his actions and interactions in Chapter 1? How do you anticipate his journey will unfold based on these early observations?

Learning Objectives

Aristotle: Analysis of ‘On Friendship’

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Aristotle's definition and classification of friendship as presented in his works, particularly in the "Nicomachean Ethics." Differentiate between the three types of friendships outlined by Aristotle: friendships of utility, friendships of pleasure, and friendships of virtue. Critically assess the strengths and limitations of Aristotle's theory of friendship, considering its cultural context, philosophical implications, and relevance to contemporary society.

Siddhartha: Chapter 1

Identify and analyze the key themes present in "Siddhartha," such as the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, the journey of self-discovery, the nature of wisdom, and the balance between materialism and spirituality. Discuss the philosophical ideas presented in "Siddhartha," including concepts such as the cycle of life and death, the illusion of reality, and the pursuit of happiness, and consider their relevance to contemporary society. Apply the lessons learned from "Siddhartha" to personal experiences and reflections on the nature of existence, identity, and the search for meaning in life.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Aristotle – ‘On Friendship’ Analysis
  2. Siddhartha Chapter 1

 

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Aristotle Lecture Questions

World History – Week of 3/18 - 3/22

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue writing our research papers. Please bring a charged computer.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

What are good sources to use on my historical research paper?

Learning Objectives

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Researching Online
  2. Research Paper Topic
  3. Research Paper Outline

World History 11th Grade Week of 3/18 - 3/22

Hey Folks!

This week we will move onto Topic 8 The Muslim World.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

Which of the effects of cultural blending do you think is the most significant?

Learning Objectives

Topic 8.1 The Ottomans Build a Vast Empire

Objectives: Understand how the Ottomans established a Muslim empire that combined many cultures and lasted for more than 600 years. Compare and contrast how modern societies, from Algeria to Turkey, had their origins under Ottoman rule.

Topic 8.2 Cultural Blending and The Birth of Modern Persia

Objectives: Explain how the Safavid Empire produced a rich and complex blended culture in Persia. Describe how modern Iran, which plays a key role in global politics, descended from the culturally diverse Safavid Empire. Identify examples of cultural blending in the Safavid Empire.

Topic 8.3 The Mughal Empire in India

Objectives: Explain how the Mughal Empire brought Turks, Persians, and Indians together in a vast empire. Identify how the legacy of great art and deep social division left by the Mughal Empire still influences southern Asia.

 

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 8.1 The Ottomans Build a Vast Empire
  2. Topic 8.2 Cultural Blending and The Birth of Modern Persia
  3. Topic 8.3 The Mughal Empire in India
  4. Topic 8 Quiz