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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

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

Contemporary World Issues - Week of 3/18 - 3/22

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
  3. State of the Union Analysis

US History – Week of 3/18 - 3/22

Hey Folks!

This week we will continue Topic 16 The Civil Rights Movement.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

Why did Dr. King speak out against United States' involvement in Vietnam when he risked doing harm to his status as a civil rights movement leader, as well as harming the movement itself?

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 16.3 Successes and Setbacks
  2. Topic 16.4 Kennedy’s Reforms
  3. Topic 16.5 Reform Under Johnson

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 16.1 The Civil Rights Movement Strengthens
  2. Topic 16.2 The Movement Surges Forward

Intro to Philosophy - Week of 3/11 - 3/15

Hey Folks,

This week we continue our unit on the Greek Philosophers and discuss Aristotle.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

How might understanding Aristotle's ideas contribute to your personal and intellectual growth?

Learning Objectives

Contextualize Aristotle within the broader historical and philosophical landscape of ancient Greece. Understand Aristotle's views on metaphysics, ethics, politics, logic, and natural philosophy. Explore Aristotle's political philosophy, including his ideas on the ideal state, the concept of the polis (city-state), and different forms of government. Appreciate Aristotle's legacy and his ongoing relevance in contemporary intellectual discourse.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Aristotle Lecture
  2. Aristotle – ‘On Friendship’ Analysis

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Matrix Viewing Questions

World History – Week of 3/11 - 3/15

Hey Folks!

This week we will begin writing our research papers. I will go over using academic journals and online sources. 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

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Bartolome De Las Casas Review
  2. Topic 10 Quiz

World History -11th Grade- Week of 3/11 - 3/15

Hey Folks!

This week we will move onto Topic 7 Renaissance and Reformation.

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

 

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Elizabeth Viewing Questions

Contemporary World Issues - Week of 3/11 - 3/15

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 3/11 - 3/15

Hey Folks!

This week we will begin Topic 16 The Civil Rights Movement.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

Why did Dr. King speak out against United States' involvement in Vietnam when he risked doing harm to his status as a civil rights movement leader, as well as harming the movement itself?

Learning Objectives

Topic 16.1 The Civil Rights Movement Strengthens

Objectives: Describe efforts to end segregation in the 1940s and 1950s. Explain the importance of Brown v. Board of Education. Describe the controversy over school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. Discuss the Montgomery bus boycott and its impact.

Topic 16.2 The Movement Surges Forward

Objectives: Describe the sit-ins, freedom rides, and the actions of student protests in the early 1960s. Explain how the protests at Birmingham and the March on Washington were linked to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Summarize the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Topic 16.3 Successes and Setbacks

Objectives: Explain the significance of Freedom Summer, the March on Selma, and why violence erupted in some American cities in the 1960s. Compare the goals and methods of African American leaders. Describe the social and economic situation of African Americans by 1975.

“Beyond Vietnam” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Objectives: Use primary sources to analyze the reasons Dr. King spoke out against the war in Vietnam and how this action was received. Place King’s “Beyond Vietnam” speech into an historical, social, and political context. Improve analytical and critical thinking skills. Develop strong arguments based on primary source materials. Broaden understanding of King beyond that of just a civil rights movement leader.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 16.1 The Civil Rights Movement Strengthens
  2. Topic 16.2 The Movement Surges Forward
  3. Topic 16.3 Successes and Setbacks
  4. “Beyond Vietnam” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Pleasantville Viewing Questions

World History - Week of 3/4 - 3/6

Hey Folks!

This week we will finish Topic 10 The Columbian Exchange. We will have a quiz on Tuesday.

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

Why did many wealthy Englishmen favor the development of colonies in the Americas?

Learning Objectives

Topic 11.1 Objectives: Explain why England wanted colonies and how they were planned. Describe how Jamestown was settled, why the colony struggled, and how it survived. Explain the relationship between American Indians and settlers in the Southern Colonies. Discuss how Maryland, the Carolinas, and Georgia were settled.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Bartolome De Las Casas Review
  2. Topic 10 Quiz
  3. Topic 11.1 The Southern Colonies Take Root

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 10.4 Exploration and Expansion
  2. Topic 10.5 Spain and France in the Americas

Intro to Philosophy - Week of 3/4 - 3/6

Hey Folks!

This week we continue to talk about Plato and the Allegory of the Cave.

Have a great week!

Essential Question

How does the Allegory of the Cave relate to Plato's views on education and the pursuit of knowledge?

Learning Objectives

Summarize key biographical details about Plato's life and historical context, including his relationship with Socrates and his contributions to the development of Western philosophy.

Explain Plato's Theory of Forms:

Articulate Plato's Theory of Forms, including its central concepts, such as the distinction between the physical world and the realm of Forms, and its implications for understanding reality.

Assess the significance of Plato's use of dialogues as a philosophical method, considering how they facilitate the exploration of complex ideas and the development of philosophical inquiry.

Identify ways in which Plato's philosophy has influenced subsequent thinkers and philosophical traditions, and evaluate the enduring relevance of his ideas in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Formulate critiques of Plato's philosophy based on ethical, epistemological, or political considerations, and construct reasoned responses to these critiques drawing on textual evidence and philosophical reasoning.

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Matrix Viewing Questions

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Plato Lecture
  2. Plato’s Cave Analysis

US History - Week of 3/4 - 3/6

Hey Folks!

This week we will finish Topic 15 Post War America. 

Have a great week!

Essential Question:

 What are the positive, negative, values, and cultural contributions of the 1950's

This Week’s Assignments

  1. Pleasantville Viewing Questions

Last Week’s Assignments

  1. Topic 15.6 Mass Culture in the 1950’s
  2. Topic 15.7 Social Issues of the 1950’s
  3. Topic 15 Quiz