Adam Clark & Christine Olsavsky

We believe in the importance of the ideals of our Constitution! Our aim is to design lessons that engage and empower middle through high school students. Through our diverse backgrounds, we are able to collaborate and curate dynamic educational experiences in Spring, Texas. In the words of President Teddy Roosevelt, “believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

See their winning digital lesson plan here.

Our Interview With Adam

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes

How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about the contest from a visiting presenter last spring who recommended submitting a lesson. My district content supervisor is a former lesson plan winner Michelle Neyrey who also encouraged making a submission.

What inspired your work?
Our lesson was inspired by the kinesthetic method example of our presenter and a desire for a lesson that was effective and ready made without any teacher preparation to implement.

What did you learn while creating your entry?
We learned that the incorporation of physical motion creates a unique association with the content for better recall and brings an element of fun for greater student engagement.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
We plan to collaborate with other content areas about implementing similar lessons that can extend to their specific areas while reinforcing the core principles of the U.S. Constitution.

How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
My friends share my enjoyment of history and we have many conversations about it together.

What do you love about U.S History and the forming of our government?
I love the story of what individuals are capable of achieving in pursuit of their happiness and purpose that connects across time to our own human experience.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
Smithsonian Museums, Sagamore Hill

Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
Theodore Roosevelt

Who is your greatest role model?
My greatest role models are my parents.

What in your life are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about my children.

How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time reading books and enjoying physical activities outside.

What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to continue to teach, sharing my enthusiasm with my students and become more impactful on my campus bridging social studies into a literary/history club, Decathlon/UIL coach, leading a travel group and launching a history elective course offering.

If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
I want to be in a place and role with the maximum effect to encourage/support/model to others the great potential and opportunity that comes from healthy living, a positive attitude and willingness to learn through effort in all areas of their life. Arete Strenuous Life

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution is a testament to how a common purpose can unite differing individuals to create a society for all individuals to thrive in the pursuit of fulfillment and purpose. A greater understanding of this common aim is critical in the wake of increasing antagonism grounded in the differences that make up our citizenry today.

Our Interview With Christine

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes

How did you hear about the contest?
A presenter from Constituting America presented at my school last year and encouraged me to enter.

What inspired your work?
My daughters and my students are always my greatest inspiration.

What did you learn while creating your entry?
It was a reminder of the requirements needed to change an amendment.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
Any time I discuss geopolitics both inside and outside the classroom, it’s connected to how lucky we are to have the Constitution protecting us.

How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
Most of my friends work in Education so they appreciate hearing about history and the Constitution.

What do you love about U.S History and the forming of our government?
I love that America is always evolving. We are constantly living through historical events that are shaped by our country’s past, but we get to help guide what happens next.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I would love to visit the White House.

Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
President Teddy Roosevelt. I respect his passion for bringing a balanced approach to leadership and his relentless thirst for knowledge. Mr. Clark and I immediately bonded over this same question when we first began teaching together.

Who is your greatest role model?
My step-dad. He was an immigrant to the U.S., and he worked hard to gain his American citizenship. I’m grateful every day to have him in my life!

What in your life are you most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about my family and providing the best educational experiences for my students. I hope that my World Geography class inspires them to always consider the broader contexts and implications of history.

How do you spend your free time?
I love playing games, crafting, and reading with my daughters. I also love traveling and learning new languages.

What are your plans for the future?
I’ve always wanted to write historical fiction and continue to travel as much as possible.

If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
Aside from teaching in the U.S., I would love to help with refugee resettlement. My background is in international social work, and I also taught ESL in South Korea and Russia.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution continues to protect our freedoms and ensure a level of equality that isn’t guaranteed in many countries. The more my students learn about geopolitics, the more they realize this truth.

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