Preparing Students for Life's Journey

Meet High School Social Studies Teacher Hannah Dvorak

Hannah joined the Eastside Catholic staff as a long-term substitute in 2017 before becoming a full-time employee. She had previously been a substitute teacher for Lake Washington School District and Northshore School District and holds her bachelor's degree in history and secondary education from Washington State University.

Q: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to prepare students for life, wherever that may take them. History is not about memorizing names, dates and facts, but is about the application of learning from the past to better prepare for the present and future.

Q: What is the greatest success you've had with teaching?
In general, the greatest success I have had in teaching is whenever I can see the ideas “click” or the content connect with a student. There is typically a jaw-drop as the initial reaction and then a big smile follows. It always warms my heart!

My teaching philosophy is to prepare students for life, wherever that may take them.

Q: Can you describe the purpose of the Finding Kind club and how you became involved in it?
The goal of Finding Kind is to create a welcoming community amongst teenage girls by fighting against bullying and harassment, and showing everyone that they’re loved! Teenage years are such a difficult time and I strongly believe this club has helped girls bond and feel that they belong. I got involved a few years ago when some of my teacher friends invited me to an event they were having with the club, and I was hooked! I was so motivated and inspired by these young women wanting to change the world for the better, and I knew that I wanted to get more involved.

Q: Can you describe a teaching strategy that you use?
A specific teaching strategy that works for me is ensuring that my lessons connect with all learning-styles. I never just lecture, but typically include videos and audio, a reading analysis or a fun story that goes along with the history lesson. I prefer to assess via projects because it allows the students to use their creativity or hobbies and talents to “show me what they got.” Some of these projects include non-traditional timelines, comic strips, newspapers, music videos, movie trailers, rap battles, March Madness brackets and even some poems!

Q: What's your favorite part about teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is learning about all of my students, getting to know them and seeing what they’re passionate about!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to hike, hang out with friends and cuddle with my kitties, The Roosevelt’s!

If you have questions for Hannah, you can reach her at hdvorak@eastsidecatholic.org.