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, 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!
Click on "Syllabus" for the link to the document.
Click on "Movie Permission" for the link to the document.
Grading Policy
Students will receive both major (assessment), minor (practice) grades, and soft skills. Major/minor grades and soft skills will be weighted as follows. Major grades are 60%. Minor grades are 30%. Soft skills are 10%.
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 and the student is responsible for making up missed work within two days of returning. Excused Absences: Students will earn 1 point for each missed day, which can be made up with supplementary work. This must be completed within two days of the absence. 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.
Extra Credit Policy
Extra credit opportunities may be provided at the teacher’s discretion. These are designed to enhance learning and are not guaranteed. Students are encouraged to focus on consistent effort and mastery of the material for their grades.
Contact Me
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at [email protected].
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, 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!
