TEACHER of LITERATURE and WRITING
Tim Whiteman
Mr. Tim Whiteman, Middle School Dean of Students and English Teacher at Westside Neighborhood School, is dedicated to "teaching the whole child." With over a decade of experience in public and independent schools and a background in sports marketing, Tim guides students from kindergarten to college with a focus on critical thinking and informed perspectives. He emphasizes collaboration among students, families, and educators to ensure academic and personal growth.
Passionate about empowering young minds, Tim inspires others with his commitment to making a difference, guided by the motto: "Be the change you want to see in the world!"
My Courses
A Horse (or Course) of a Different Color!
When must you stand up for yourself? Or even stand up for others? Are “four legs good and two legs bad…or better?” Extensive study has been done for decades about the themes and depth of the classic novel Animal Farm. Now, we have a chance to really dive into the meaning of George Orwell's writing to debate and explore the relevant arguments within. We will read the book and clarify its historical/allegorical connection with the Russian Revolution of 1917 (maybe even extending to current events relevance).
Then, we will study the character's motivations, desires, struggles, and impact on the overall story arc. This background work will be weaved with the basics of effective debate skills and lead to what should be spirited, fun debates!
So…what kind of animal are YOU?
Living History... Or HIS-STORY
History is written by the victors..." OR IS IT? This course is an exploration of the real "history" of America and it's impact on the melting pot it so proudly identifies itself as. We will look at aspects of America's impact on it's under-served populations, it's populations of color, it's LGBTQIA+ impact and the past impact on it's most vulnerable demographic, the children. The course will be an unfiltered and objective look on how America rose to become one of the world's superpowers and what strides as well as what concessions were made along the way.
The World Is Mine...Isn't It?
We all strive to make a difference in the world, but is the world truly ready to embrace each of us as we are—without reservation?
Ta-Nehisi Coates' acclaimed book, Between the World and Me, delves deeply into this question. Written as a series of heartfelt letters to his son, Coates offers a profound and underrepresented perspective—that of a Black man sharing a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom.
In our class exploration, we will unpack the powerful lessons Coates shares and confront the stark realities faced by one group of Americans striving to exist in a nation that promises to be "the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."