Arlington History Teacher of the Week

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- An American History teacher at Arlington Middle School loves his job so much he takes a vacation every summer to a historical place. He also plans a trip for his students every year to Washington, D.C., and he says he enjoys the trips as much or more then his students.

Chuck Newman has a unique way of teaching. Scissors, color pencils and drawing on paper plates are all part of the history lesson in his class. He uses all sorts of helpful tools to help make history interesting and fun.

"They get in here. They can move around. Cut things up. Get on the computer and research things," said Newman.

When he talks about historical events, he discusses it in such detail his students think he was actually there. "I did live a lot of it because I'm 61 years old," he says.

Student Jamison Hodges adds, "When he explains stuff, he gets so detailed and really let's us know how it happens."

One thing his students always look forward to is the 8th grade trip he plans each year to Washington, D.C. "The night before, I can't sleep I'm so excited."

He's been teaching for decades, but Mr. Newman never forgets a student. "These are my seating charts from all the different years I've taught. We can't always remember a student's name but if I can see where they sat it comes back to me."

Newman has taught for 37 years and he is also the school's historian at Arlington Middle School.

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