Walking into first-period US History Blended, students expect to see the smiling face of their teacher Ashley Motz. They wipe the tired from their eyes, readying themselves for a new day of notes and lessons. However, they are greeted with a new face: assistant student teacher Daniel Lewis.
In 2024, Motz got a new teacher to help with her US History classes first and seventh hours. Though he did not know his plans from the beginning, Lewis hopes to have a great impact on his students and to forge connections with them.
After graduating high school in 2020 during the pandemic, Lewis had no idea what he hoped to do as a career. He reached out to many of his prior high school teachers for inspiration. Realizing that he thoroughly enjoyed social studies classes, he made the decision to focus his passion on education, specifically history and social studies.
He began student teaching at Huntley at the beginning of the school year, enjoying a similar environment to Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake, where he graduated from.
“He makes the lessons concise and interesting so we understand the topic better,” junior Cara Saulog said.
As the year continues, Lewis has been given the chance to infuse some of his own lessons and teachings to the class.
“Mr. Lewis is unlike any student teacher I have had before, he really takes the time to connect with each student and learn the methods that make us learn better,” junior Ashlyn Rankin said.
Though there have been many ups and downs, he believes this has been a fulfilling experience for him and he loves working with all the students. He hopes to teach any social studies course including government, US History, and social study electives.
“Social studies matters and it’s on you to make those connections, but your life will be much more rewarding for realizing that,” Lewis said.
