Welcome, I'm Michelle McDonald
I'm glad you're here! I'm an educator with a decade of classroom experience in various grades throughout elementary and middle school. As a social studies specialist, I'm passionate about bringing history to life for students and adults too. I don't know about you, but I've found myself teaching in schools that provided few (and sometimes zero) social studies curricula or materials. It can be daunting to find high-quality social studies resources. My goal is to share tips, engaging activities, and low-prep social studies activities including virtual field trips around the world!
In addition, since 2018, I have been the host of the First Year Teacher Mentor Group. This is a community of new and seasoned educators that share ideas, encouragement, and offer support. With teachers facing burnout and new teachers leaving the field of education in under three years, this group is a safe space for educators to collaborate. No one can go through teaching alone.
Teaching Career
I attended Eastern Washington University, and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a double major in Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies Education. I have a minor in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Intercultural Communication. I also hold a Leadership credential from Harvard University.
I taught first grade for five years in several different capacities. I've also
taught 4th, 5th grade, and middle school too. I stepped out of the classroom in 2019 to focus my attention on designing social studies resources for K-8. I have also brought virtual travel to older adults during a time of social isolation with a line of virtual field trips tailored for senior living communities and hybrid care.
I've been a featured presenter for teacher professional development courses, conferences, and podcasts. I have also formed partnerships within the field of aging services to bring virtual field trips to clients receiving hybrid care.
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During the summer, I've enjoyed serving as a Teacher Leader for the Ambassador Leadership Summit at both Tulane University and Harvard University.
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I'm currently a board member for the Washington State Council for the Social Studies. I'm also a member of Educators for Change with the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, WA.
My Family Life
My family and I live in a cabin on a small lake in Washington state. We love the PNW! I'm married to Scott, an outdoor-loving guy. We love to go on camping adventures whenever we get the chance. I have two bonus kids that are just entering their teenage years. We also have two rescue dogs. We are currently working while traveling the United States and Mexico in our 1968, vintage Airstream. You can follow our adventures virtually on my Instagram.
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I'm an Arab American of Lebanese descent. My family heritage runs strong, and you'll often find me making Lebanese dishes on weeknights.
