Teacher Information

Hello! I'm excited to share a little about myself. My name is Rynata, and I teach 8th grade U.S. History. I believe history is not just about dates and events — it’s about understanding the people and stories that shape our world!

My Journey

I grew up in a deaf family and attended the Indiana School for the Deaf, where I developed a passion for learning. After high school, I continued my educational journey at Gallaudet University, earning both a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Deaf Studies with a focus on Cultural Studies.

Why I Teach

Teaching comes naturally to me because I thrive on sharing knowledge and inspiring others. My goal is to show students how education can transform their futures and to make history fun and engaging — because, yes, history is cool!

Fun Facts About Me

• I love trivia and testing my knowledge
• Hiking and exploring nature are some of my favorite activities
• I enjoy sports, video games, anime/manga, and art in my free time

I'm looking forward to an exciting year of exploring history together. Let’s make learning fun and meaningful!

Syllabus

Click on "Syllabus" for the link to the document.  

Movie Permission

Click on "Movie Permission" for the link to the document.  

Grading Policy

Students will receive both major (assessment) and minor (practice) grades. Major grades are 60%. Minor grades are 40%.

Major grades should assess a student’s knowledge/mastery of the unit/concepts being taught. Some examples include unit tests, presentations, and final drafts. Minor grades should assess each stage of the learning process up until the end of unit assessment. Some examples include classwork, quizzes (planned, not pop-quizzes), journal pages, and rough drafts/progress checks.

Unexcused Absences: 0 points will be put down. Excused Absences: Teacher and student are to discuss a strategic plan to catch up on the uncompleted assignments. Tardiness: Repeated tardiness may impact participation grades and could result in loss of privileges, including field trip participation.

Work Submission Policy

Work more than one week old will not be accepted for grading unless otherwise specified. All assignments should be submitted in a timely manner to ensure full credit.

Contact Me

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at [email protected].

I'm looking forward to an exciting year of exploring history together. Let’s make learning fun and meaningful!