Welcome to U.S. History Classroom #101
Hello from my U.S. History classroom! I'm Kristen Chapman, and I'm entering my 17th year of teaching. I'm excited to be back at the Texas School for the Deaf after taking 7 years off to raise my two youngest boys and having lived in the Washington, DC, area before returning to Austin, Texas, last year.
A profound sense of belonging washed over me when I stepped back onto this campus. The Texas School for the Deaf undoubtedly holds its place as the best institution for deaf education in the country! During a previous span of 6 years, I taught U.S. history in this same classroom! In this room with four sizable windows and plenty of light, I'm thrilled to bring history alive!
I also coordinate a group of students to attend the Capitol Connection trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring. We take a closer look at Washington, D.C., to see how American history has shaped us into who we are today. More information can be found at this link: CEASD: The Capital Connection.
I am also so excited to join the International Studies program as a teacher, along with Jennifer Campero and Sean Moore. We look forward to bringing an amazing group of students to Peru in March. Make sure to follow us at TSD International Studies.
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy staying active, exploring local restaurants, hanging out with family and friends, and visiting places that hold special memories of our son Aydan, who battled childhood brain cancer and passed away in 2016. My oldest daughter, Annika, is heading to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, as a sophomore, and my younger boys, Austin and Andrew, are entering kindergarten & 2nd grade.
Teaching is natural to me. I earned a history degree from Gallaudet University and a Master's in Special Education/Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Texas Tech University. Witnessing my students flourish and prepare for life beyond graduation brings me profound satisfaction. I truly believe that a good education is the foundation for a successful life.
