Joe Blaser
Virginia Tech, B.A. History
Marymount, M.A. Education '15
Mr. Blaser teaches world geography and American studies in the social studies Department. He is also an assistant varsity coach for the boy’s basketball team and co-moderator of the Spirit and Leadership Team (SALT).
When he isn’t working on his master's degree or in the gym working out one of his basketball players, he spends the bulk of his time in the classroom with his world geography sophomores. He is among the more popular teachers in the social studies hallway and every year student’s line up to get into his class.
When asked about his teaching philosophy, Mr. Blaser remarked, “I want to make sure the students have an understanding of the world around them and to foster in-depth exploration of topics that they themselves enjoy.” He continued, “I want them to have fun.”
“Mr. Blaser is a dynamo,” remarks Mr. Haas, chair of the social studies department. “He stalks the front of his room from bell to bell, enthusiastically discussing global events. He’s unstoppable.”
This year, to complement his Socratic lectures, Mr. Blaser started using the New York Times Upfront Magazine to help his students become more aware of current issues. The magazine, published by Scholastic, sells itself as a companion news source for teens. Its articles don’t lack any bite, either, they are just a bit shorter and contain more graphics. It’s a great resource.
“Upfront Magazine is extremely student-friendly,” remarks Mr. Blaser. “They’re made especially for students and they’re written in a way that makes the material easier to understand.”
Recent issues have dealt with the Ebola virus, the “sixth extinction," and the riots in Ferguson, Mo. Of particular interest to Mr. Blaser and his students, though, the magazine also deals with global events. Last month, for instance, it issued a “blockbuster” double-installment that focused on each continent.
Nicole Dukas (’17), sophomore in the world geography course, remarked that the Upfront Magazines are extremely useful “because the articles help her understand current events in other parts of the world.”
The social studies department is proud to have Mr. Blaser on staff and thankful he is willing to explore different strategies to engage his students. We bet the boy’s basketball team is happy too. His energy and excitement is contagious.