During a recent interview with Banner Staff, Mr. Crowe shared deep insights about his lengthy teaching career and his time at Sylvan Hills, where he has been a vital part of the community since 2013. “Let’s see,” Mr. Crowe said. “I’ve been at Sylvan Hills for about 12 years. I started my teaching journey in 1998, which means this year marks my 27th year teaching.”
Mr. Crowe’s unwavering passion for teaching has fueled his career for nearly three decades, and his enthusiasm for the subject of U.S. History is not only evident but infectious among his students.
Mr. Crowe’s journey to becoming a full-time teacher began unexpectedly. Initially, he worked as a substitute teacher at a different school. It was during this period that he stumbled upon his true passion for education.
“I was subbing, and I enjoyed it so- that became my job,” he said.
Before discovering his calling in high school education, Mr. Crowe experimented with various career paths, exploring nearly every job imaginable, but the allure of the classroom ultimately became his true home.
Reflecting on his long tenure at Sylvan Hills, he shared how it became a turning point in his career, saying, “I wasn’t very pleased with the school I had been working at, so I began looking for better opportunities.”
This search, driven by a desire for growth and a supportive environment, eventually led him to Sylvan Hills. Here, he found the encouragement he needed to thrive as an educator, surrounded by colleagues who shared similar values and a commitment to making a nurturing learning environment.
Mr. Crowe’s love for history is evident in the way he engages his students. He expressed some of his favorite units to teach, which include the rich tapestry of Chinese history, the tumultuous period of U.S. History during the Civil War, and the complexities surrounding the antebellum South. He believes that history is not merely about memorizing dates and events; it is fundamentally about understanding the stories, struggles, and triumphs of people.
Moreover, Mr. Crowe strives to make history interesting to his students by giving interesting assignments such as gallery walks, group projects and activities, and shower curtain timelines. His teaching methods not only inspire a love of learning but also teach students to appreciate the rich histories of their own country.
Overall, Mr. Crowe exemplifies the spirit of dedication and passion in teaching. He leaves a lasting impact on his students, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and inspiring the next generation to not only learn from the past but also to engage with it thoughtfully. By sharing his journey and his passion for history, he instills in his students the idea that education is not just a career but a profound calling that can shape lives and communities for years to come.
