SharbsClass

Christy Sharbutt
East Mecklenburg High School
Civics and Economics
Sociology


I hold a Master’s in American History from Mississippi State University and a BSED in Social Science from the University of North Alabama. I am NC certified (6-12) in social studies.  Spring semester, 2010, I taught Civics and Economics at West Mecklenburg High School.  My previous North Carolina teaching experience was at Gray Stone Day School in Misenheimer. There I taught AP US, US, and Civics and Economics.

The majority of my teaching experience took place at Tupelo High School, in Tupelo, Mississippi. There I taught US, World, and Mississippi History.

I also have experience teaching the following elective courses: Humanities, International Relations, Music Appreciation, and Biblical History.  I have sponsored Mock Trial teams at Tupelo High School, and Gray Stone Day School.


Philosophy of education and historical study:
The study of history is more than the memorization of the names and dates in our past.   The study of history is about perspective, impact, and the lessons we learn from the mistakes we have made.  The study of history is about associations, cause and effect, and changes through time.  We study history in order to understand the society in which we live and to understand the world around us.

Studying history is also beneficial to the individual.  We learn to review evidence and determine its validity.  We learn to identify and interpret conflict, as well as identify the positive and negative changes societies and groups face over periods of years, decades, or centuries.  The names and dates of our past do not change, but the perspectives and interpretations do.  It is through the study of history that we enhance our ability to discern fact from fiction, and gain understanding of our own society and its role in the surrounding world.

I believe that the study of history is valuable, and can even be enjoyable. Therefore, I strive to instruct students in a manner that will encourage them to think for themselves and support their opinions with historical fact. I inform students that they will get out of the class what they put in. Students must take responsibility for their learning and it is my goal to help them discover how to make it possible. I do not feel my only objective is to teach history. I also strive to teach skills necessary for academic success.