DWIGHT TODAY | FACULTY Q&A
Arthur Samuels:
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE FOR OVER 25 YEARS
Arthur Samuels has taught IB history and inspired a love of learning in Upper School students at Dwight since 1992. During his long tenure, Mr. Samuels held a number of important roles in addition to teaching — he served significant terms as the Head of History Department, Dean of Anglo House, and Head of Upper School, before joining the College Counseling team in 2007. Mr. Samuels is cited often and fondly by alumni as a particularly memorable teacher both for his ability and his unique style of teaching. We sat down with him to learn more about his dual role at Dwight, his spark for fostering excitement in the classroom, and to congratulate him on a well-deserved honor! We’re proud to report that Mr. Samuels recently received an Education Update 2018 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award at The Harvard Club. WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A TEACHER?
I was very lucky that by the time I was 20, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had some amazing history and English teachers along the way — in middle school, high school, and a few amazing professors at Vassar College who inspired me. I wanted to pass the torch and share the knowledge and skills that I had learned. I wanted to make a contribution to young people in the same way that a contribution was made to me. WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY?
My philosophy is simple: It is the teacher’s responsibility to do everything he or she can to inspire and excite students. I also believe strongly in discovering and encouraging the spark of genius in every child, which is more than just a motto at Dwight; we all live it every day. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT TEACHING AT AN IB SCHOOL AND AT DWIGHT?
I enjoy teaching the IB Diploma Program history curriculum, which is excellent! It focuses on modern world history and gives young people a perspective on the world that they’re entering as young global citizens.
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As for Dwight, I like teaching at a small school with a lot of families. I’m getting to the point where I’m teaching second generations of families in my classroom, and my hope is to one day get to the third generation!
