Aaron Blankenship
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Dynamic Social Studies educator with nine years of experience in rural Western Alaskan and urban Baltimore schools, effectively engaging diverse student populations. Expertise in cultivating primary sourcing skills and fostering a civic mindset among learners, empowering them to become informed and active citizens. Strong commitment to social justice education drives a focus on decolonizing curriculum and practices, ensuring all students receive an inclusive and relevant learning experience. Passionate about creating equitable educational environments that inspire critical thinking and social responsibility.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Baltimore City Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Deliver district-aligned Social Studies curriculum while adapting lessons to meet diverse learner needs.
- Analyze and re-mediate student assessment data to drive accelerated academic growth.
- Facilitate targeted small-group interventions, tailoring strategies to individual student goals.
- Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to design and implement programs that promote sustained student achievement.
- Serve as 8th Grade Team Lead, guiding collaborative planning and aligning team practices with the school’s mission and vision.
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Nome Public Schools
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Designed and differentiated culturally relevant lessons in World Geography, U.S. History, Current Events, and Ancient Civilizations for grades 6–8.
- Established behavior management and engagement practices that fostered safe and authentic student expression.
- Developed students’ primary source analysis skills through structured sourcing frameworks and guided practice.
Student Teacher
Coventry High School
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Student taught for full school year in both U.S. and World History classes, implementing daily lessons, grading, and professional responsibilities.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
Education
Master of Arts - Historical Studies
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Catonsville05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - AYA Education And History
University Of Akron
Akron, Ohio05.2017
Skills
- Writing instruction
- Primary source analysis
- Instructional technology
- Student engagement
- Staff development
- Faculty collaboration
Certification
- Completed Kagan Cooperative Learning Workshop on collaborative teaching strategies
- Participated in the National Endowment for the Humanities two-week workshop “The Public and Private Lives of Thomas Jefferson” at Monticello
- Participated in the National Endowment for the Humanities three-week workshop “Teaching Native American History” in Mashpee, Massachusetts
- Attended the “Professional Learning Communities at Work” Conference and spearheaded the implementation of the PLC initiative
Timeline
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Baltimore City Schools
08.2017 - Current
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Nome Public Schools
08.2017 - 05.2021
Student Teacher
Coventry High School
09.2016 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Historical Studies
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bachelor of Arts - AYA Education And History
University Of Akron
Awards
Named Nome Public Schools “Teacher of the Month” for April 2018 and December 2020, Twice elected as Nome's delegate to the NEA-Alaska State Delegate Assembly, 2020 James Madison Fellowship Alternate Fellow for Alaska
Community Service
- Nome-Beltz D.C., Trip Coordinator, Fundraised and drafted grants, organized and directed three trips to Washington D.C. with the Close-Up Foundation to provide students with civics-based education opportunities
- Nome Education Association, Building Union Representative, Worked collaboratively with union members and building administrators to find resolutions to disputes of contractual obligations, work environment, and CoVid-19 precautions that respected teachers' rights and administrative priorities.
- Nome-Beltz E-Sports Team, Coach, Founded and coached Nome's first E-Sports team, an official school sport in Alaska, competing against schools statewide and maintaining a winning record all three seasons
- Nome-Beltz Jr. High, Student Council Advisor, Oversaw the election and activities of the Student Council, training Presidents to lead meetings and helping councils find direction and priorities on a monthly and yearly basis
- LeBron James Family Foundation, “I Promise Network”, Mentored students, leading them through individual tutoring and goal-setting meetings
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