Timothy Greening: Connecting Historical Memoir to Students’ Lived Experiences

Timothy Greening is a veteran educator at Rock Ridge High School (Ashburn, Virginia) with 30 years of classroom teaching experience. He primarily teaches 10th and 12th grade English, focusing on English 10 and English 12 courses. As he approaches his final years in the classroom, he continues to emphasize lifelong learning and professional growth.

Teaching of the Holocaust, Civil Rights, and Human Rights:
Timothy incorporates Elie Wiesel’s Night into his curriculum and enriches instruction with resources from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and other reputable sources. His teaching emphasizes both historical context and the personal experiences of individuals affected by the Holocaust. He aims to deepen students’ understanding by connecting these historical events to contemporary global issues, such as the origins of totalitarianism and displacement.

Instructional Plans:
This school year, Timothy anticipates dedicating approximately one month of class time to Holocaust, civil rights, and human rights education.

Motivation and Goals:
Timothy is drawn to Holocaust, human rights, and social justice education because he sees the world becoming increasingly insular. He wants students to recognize the interconnectedness of people and understand the historical roots of current social and political dynamics.

By attending our seminar in Virginia, Timothy learned to better connect historical memoir to contemporary conflicts and issues, enabling students to engage with the material on a personal and impactful level.

Teaching Context:
Timothy  grounds his teaching in students’ lived experiences. He begins by exploring the conflicts and issues they encounter within their own social groups and communities. From there, he helps students connect their identities and experiences to those portrayed in historical memoirs, building relevance and empathy.

Unique Perspective:
Timothy’s three decades of experience allow him to bring both depth of practice and a continued openness to learning to Holocaust and Human Rights education. As a seasoned educator who remains eager to grow, he provides a valuable perspective shaped by experience, reflection, and adaptability.