Andrew Edmondson
University of Missouri - B.A. History and African-American Studies
Marymount University - M.A. Secondary Education
Co-coordinator of Freshman Study Skills
Faculty Moderator of Unity Council
Girl's JV Basketball Coach
If you walk down the history hallway in between classes you’re likely to hear a boisterous voice greeting passersby as they stroll to class. You won’t even need to listen hard. It’s all consuming. If you’re a student then you barely look up to know it’s your favorite Honors World History teacher, Mr. Edmondson. If you’re a parent, you’ll be immediately drawn to the infectious laugh and lively disposition. Whoever you are, you’ll be greeted with a smile.
Mr. Edmondson has stood sentinel out front of room 125 since 2007. Although he has taught various courses throughout his tenure, he has settled into being the primary instructor for Honors World History, shepherding the freshmen through their time here at DJO.
“With him teaching our freshmen, we have solid academic consistency in the social studies,” Mr. Haas, social studies chairperson, commented when asked about Mr. Edmondson’s contributions to the school. “He is a force. Most students who come through here have had Mr. Edmondson. And those who haven’t still know him.”
“He makes an inviting and fun classroom environment and reaches us at our level,” remarks junior, Joseph Buckreis. “Freshman year with Mr. Edmondson was the best. I can’t wait to have him as a teacher again!”
Along with Honors World History, Mr. Edmondson teaches several social studies elective courses, including a long-time student favorite, African American History. As an elective open to sophomores through seniors, this class has quickly become a go-to course for students seeking to broaden their educational core curriculum.
Mr. Edmondson boils the class down to perception. “The class views American history from varying perspectives. Students discuss events and topics after hearing from people with a different world view than they might be used to. It’s about the American experience. Each American experience.”
Mr. Edmondson’s course isn’t just a popular elective among students either. As colleague, Mr. Blazer, notes, “It’s an important class for our school, for our students. And he’s the one to teach it.”
Senior Mary Husk commented on her elective course with Mr. Edmondson, "His class is interesting because it educates us on the problems of the world. I've gained knowlege that helps me in my other classes, and at the same time I've become more aware of what is going on around me."
Other than leading our students in the classroom, Mr. Edmondson also finds time to help coach with the girls’ basketball program, co-coordinate the Freshman Study Skills program and co-moderate the Unity Council. One of these alone would be enough. To do all three is a testament to Mr. Edmondson’s energy and desire to help teach the whole person.
And these aren’t just passing hobbies or a way to fill out the resume. Every task is handled with care. In fact, we are congratulating Mr. Edmondson this week as he is being inducted into the Fairfax Stars AAU Basketball Hall of Fame. A true honor. Evidence of his excellence and dedication. But we already knew that over here at DJO.
It’s a great day to be a Knight!
Visit the social studies page to find out more about what is happening in the department.