-
Faculty in Action: Justine Khadduri
Middle School History Teacher
Over the course of her 15-year career, Middle School History teacher Justine Khadduri has taught every level between sixth grade and graduate school. Now in her second year at Bryn Mawr, Khadduri loves the energy of the students and having the chance to share her passion for history.
When did you realize you wanted to be a teacher?
It is something I’ve known I wanted to do my entire life. When I was little, my mother would come downstairs into our rec room and find me with all of my dolls set up in front of the chalkboard. I even had lesson plans!
Why teach history?
Because it’s the best subject! Where else can you learn about what has happened, where we are now, where we need to go, as well as critical analysis skills? This is where the change happens – and I want, if anything, for the girls to know that change can happen.
What would you do if you weren’t teaching?
Definitely something with young people. I very much enjoy working with them – there’s just something about youth that exudes innocence, curiosity and a spirit of inquiry. When all of that comes together, there is just something so rewarding about that.
What do you remember about your very first day in the classroom?
Being a history teacher, I remember realizing my first year teaching what a responsibility it is to portray history, to the best of my ability, as accurately as possible. History for so long has been subject to revision, and there has always been one dominant perspective available to students. It really became clear that that needed to be rethought and redone in order to convey as many perspectives as possible. I’ve been very fortunate in that my career started in the early 2000s, and since then, thanks to the internet, there has been such openness and access to information. Now, I can bring primary sources to my students from all over the world, whereas in the ’80s and ’90s, when I was in school, the teachers would have to physically go to the archives and bring resources.
When did you realize you wanted to be a teacher?
It is something I’ve known I wanted to do my entire life. When I was little, my mother would come downstairs into our rec room and find me with all of my dolls set up in front of the chalkboard. I even had lesson plans!
Why teach history?
Because it’s the best subject! Where else can you learn about what has happened, where we are now, where we need to go, as well as critical analysis skills? This is where the change happens – and I want, if anything, for the girls to know that change can happen.
What would you do if you weren’t teaching?
Definitely something with young people. I very much enjoy working with them – there’s just something about youth that exudes innocence, curiosity and a spirit of inquiry. When all of that comes together, there is just something so rewarding about that.
What do you remember about your very first day in the classroom?
Being a history teacher, I remember realizing my first year teaching what a responsibility it is to portray history, to the best of my ability, as accurately as possible. History for so long has been subject to revision, and there has always been one dominant perspective available to students. It really became clear that that needed to be rethought and redone in order to convey as many perspectives as possible. I’ve been very fortunate in that my career started in the early 2000s, and since then, thanks to the internet, there has been such openness and access to information. Now, I can bring primary sources to my students from all over the world, whereas in the ’80s and ’90s, when I was in school, the teachers would have to physically go to the archives and bring resources.
Being a history teacher, I remember realizing my first year teaching what a responsibility it is to portray history, to the best of my ability, as accurately as possible. History for so long has been subject to revision, and there has always been one dominant perspective available to students. It really became clear that that needed to be rethought and redone in order to convey as many perspectives as possible.
What do you like about teaching in Bryn Mawr’s Middle School?
The girls are amazing. Absolutely amazing. There’s nothing that they won’t try and take a risk doing. And they have confidence and conviction, but also trust – they trust the teacher, and they know that we could take a big leap and it could be a disaster, but that’s OK. They keep taking those big leaps, and that is the best part about being a middle school teacher.
What is your teaching philosophy, and does that change based on the level you are teaching?
I would say my teaching philosophy is just about opening up minds towards how much is out there and how awesome it is to learn whatever it is you’re learning. And the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. If I can just get their brains working and thanking and analyzing, it really doesn’t matter what the subject area is – they’re going to be happy.
You’re trapped on a desert island. Food, water and shelter are accounted for; what three items would you want to have with you?
Definitely some of Aristotle’s work, so I could read some philosophy while I’m there; my dog; and…I guess something to write with so I can write my memoir and one day it could be found in a bottle!
If you could have any supernatural power, what would it be?
Flight! One hundred percent. Not only so that I could get from point A to point B, but I think the ability to be in the air and in the clouds and meditate would be absolutely incredible.
The girls are amazing. Absolutely amazing. There’s nothing that they won’t try and take a risk doing. And they have confidence and conviction, but also trust – they trust the teacher, and they know that we could take a big leap and it could be a disaster, but that’s OK. They keep taking those big leaps, and that is the best part about being a middle school teacher.
What is your teaching philosophy, and does that change based on the level you are teaching?
I would say my teaching philosophy is just about opening up minds towards how much is out there and how awesome it is to learn whatever it is you’re learning. And the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. If I can just get their brains working and thanking and analyzing, it really doesn’t matter what the subject area is – they’re going to be happy.
You’re trapped on a desert island. Food, water and shelter are accounted for; what three items would you want to have with you?
Definitely some of Aristotle’s work, so I could read some philosophy while I’m there; my dog; and…I guess something to write with so I can write my memoir and one day it could be found in a bottle!
If you could have any supernatural power, what would it be?
Flight! One hundred percent. Not only so that I could get from point A to point B, but I think the ability to be in the air and in the clouds and meditate would be absolutely incredible.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.