Jennifer Donmoyer, Social Studies Teacher, Wilde Lake High School

October 13th, 2016

Wilde Lake High School teacher Jennifer Donmoyer brings her psychology background to her Social Studies classroom every day by focusing on “the why’s.” Donmoyer said, “Social Studies is so varied. I’m always interested in teaching about the people, what they were going through and other factors. I tell my students, ‘here’s the story.’ My kids appreciate that.”

Donmoyer entered into teaching after studying psychology and working in human resources and as a college office assistant. She made the switch because she wanted a more people-oriented role with lots of variety. At Wilde Lake, she welcomes the challenge of teaching different classes, currently Sociology, World History and United States History, and previously Modern World History, American Government, and Ancient and Medieval History.

But considering Donmoyer’s psychology background, it’s no surprise she said, “Sociology is my favorite. I love looking at people interacting with each other, and all the conversations you can have with the students. I get different perspectives from different student groups each year. I like to challenge their opinions and help them open up their minds.”

Donmoyer’s Strengths clearly play a role in her teaching approach. With her “input” strength, she’s always brainstorming how to apply everyday experiences in the classroom. As a “learner,” she loves learning new things, especially from her students. And “harmony” works well with Social Studies as she endeavors to get her students to see each other’s point of view.

With these Strengths, Donmoyer’s teaching style lends itself to trying out creative projects and holding meaningful discussions, especially in her Sociology and World History classes. She’s challenged her Sociology students to conduct surveys while learning research methods, and critique the school’s level of inclusivity through observational practices. Her World History students have created “music concert tour” style T-shirts based on assigned explorers.

Perhaps most noteworthy is Donmoyer’s use of the “diversity line” activity in her Sociology classroom, which she adapted from an HCPSS Cultural Proficiency professional development activity. Her students lined up and stepped forward when they identified with statements read by Donmoyer on topics as personal as welfare and discrimination. Donmoyer said the diversity awareness activity “opened the students’ eyes a lot. They felt more empathetic toward others.” As a Pennsylvania resident, Donmoyer embraces the range of cultures at Wilde Lake and Howard County, saying “I love the diversity here, which fosters open-mindedness. The students are very lucky to grow up here.”

Donmoyer is also grateful she’s supported with resources from the Secondary Social Studies curriculum office to lead healthy conversations about difficult topics in the classroom. In return, Wilde Lake Social Studies Instructional Team Leader Jessica White appreciates Donmoyer’s teaching, saying “Especially with Sociology, Jennifer’s students realize that they can learn about stuff for a reason other than a test. With seniors who are ready to go out into the real world, having them look at controversial issues within the comfort of the classroom is really neat.”