Teaching, to Caleb Ankrom, a history teacher at RMHS, is inspiring students, creating memories, and building strong connections. These are things that make being an educator at RMHS special. They are also things that sometimes get lost in the world of test prep and curriculum.
Teachers shape more than just lessons, they shape lives. At RMHS, Ankrom has become known for bringing history to life in ways that matter to students. While history, per the definition, revolves around the past, his approach is rooted in the present: creating relationships that make connecting kids and content paramount.
For Ankrom, the most rewarding parts of teaching often happen outside of scheduled class time. “Random times when it’s not in class but when students come in, whether before school, lunch, after school, and say hi, teach me slang or just to come in and talk, those are the most rewarding times. That’s when we can create really good relationships,” he explained. These casual interactions with students is where the strongest bonds are built.
Being a history teacher can pose a unique set of challenges. When asked what he wished people understood more about history teachers, Ankrom responded “Trying to view people’s perspectives and lenses. That to me is the most important part. People just think we love dates and stuff, and it’s not just that.” For him, history is more than memorizing timelines; it’s about understanding different points of views and encouraging students to think critically about the world around them.
Ankrom admits the energy of the students is what fuels him, but behind the scenes, at times the work can be challenging. “I like working with people that are growing and figuring things out, and students are exciting; everyday is something new. I think the energy the students bring is fun. The only challenging part is the grading,” Ankrom said. Regardless, the stacks of papers waiting to be graded are far out weighed by the joy of interacting with the students, according to Ankrom.
Ankrom reflections reveal a side of teaching that often goes unnoticed: It’s not just creating lessons and giving lectures. Teaching is about creating a space where students feel comfortable, challenged, and inspired. For him, history isn’t just alive in the textbooks, but in the relationships and moments that make every day meaningful here at RMHS.