Social Studies Teacher Edward Salazar is ecstatic about revival of class.
TJ's newest addition to the curriculum, Hispanic American History, taught by Edward Salazar. photo by Rebecca Holt
TJ Social Studies Teacher Edward Salazar’s new Hispanic American History class is creating a lot of buzz. Chicano studies was first brought into Thomas Jefferson’s spectrum when Salazar saw in the eyes of some of the Chicano students that they were lost in a world of confusion and needed a way to connect with TJ.
“Basically it is like any normal American history class but with a twist; the history is seen through the eyes of the Chicano People,” said Salazar, who wants his students to see history from a variety of perspectives. Another one of Salazar’s goals is to promote a simple respect for the diversity that exists at TJ. With about 15% Latino students at Thomas Jefferson, he thought the classes would be popular. His expectations were exceeded when the Hispanic American History class ended up being four full classes this semester, with the smallest having 32 students.
Salazar said that many students who are not of Latino descent were confused on what the term Chicano means. The meaning in many dictionaries is, an American citizen who comes from Mexican descent. But Salazar’s vision on Chicanos is a little more specific: “Someone whose ancestors came from the south (in the borders that are now considered the United States). People here prior to the formation of the United States and the Republic of Mexico,” explained Salazar.
Salazar’s mission to have this class come together wasn’t as difficult as he originally thought it might be. When he mentioned it to a few students and teachers, they passed the word on to others – and so on – and the idea of the class grew from a seed into a fruitful garden.
But this is not where Salazar’s paving the way for minority studies ends. He is also laying the groundwork for an African Heritage class. He is excited about this class because to him this is more than just about teaching Hispanic American history; Salazar feels that it’s about broadening students’ minds to every culture that affects their lives. With TJ having nearly 30% students of African descent he feels the same passion about starting this class as he feels about his Hispanic history because of the importance of expanding our horizons.
The most important thing to Salazar is his vision for the class: “…to connect all the students, not just the Hispanic, but students of all races and to be one student body.” He finds it important, to help raise the graduation rate by making classes more engaging for the students, so that they are not mentally shut down when they walk into the classroom. Many educators feel that this is one of the causes so many students drop out.
The students are also excited for Salazar’s class. They have high expectations for what the class will do to make TJ more inclusive of minorities. Raquel Opp who is a student in Salazar’s 6th period, backs up what Salazar envisions for the class. “It sounded like a different kind of class, a different way to look at history. And I am really enjoying the fresh look on the same history we have been learning for like the past 10 years” she sad.
