School News
Social Studies Teacher Motivates Students to Become Engaged Democratic CitizensSocial Studies Department Head and Grade 10-12 History and Global Issues teacher Mark Glor is passionate about helping his students engage with democracy in purposeful ways.
Mr. Glor has been teaching for 30 years and has taught a variety of courses at LCS for students in Grades 7-12. For the past number of years he has been teaching Canadian History, American History, Global Issues, Western Civilization, and Cinema as a Witness to Modern History. He was recently featured in a CIVIX article where his passion for democracy, classroom discussion, and action-based projects were highlighted. CIVIX is a non profit organization that promotes the strengthening of democracy through civic education. You can read the whole story here.
Mr. Glor strives to engage his students as citizens and believes strongly in a model of democratic citizenship that sees voting as the most basic of our responsibilities. Mr. Glor initiated the Student Vote Program at LCS in 2002. The authentic learning initiative provides students with the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice the habits of active and informed citizenship. He has been a leader and mentor to other LCS teachers in bringing this valuable program to our Grade 4 and 9-12 students. His teaching objectives line up with our school vision to help our students grow to be insightful thinkers, discerning decision makers and compassionate community members.
He also takes his students on trips to the Manitoba legislature on a regular basis and reminds them that “elected people aren’t in charge. You placed them in charge, and they need to be responsive to you. The only way they will know what you care about is if you tell them. Citizenship is understanding that we’re responsible for these decisions”.
He encourages, motivates, and assigns action-based projects. Over the years he has had his students meet with MLAs, equipped students to create petitions, and had them watch question period. He encourages action for issues relating to homelessness and mental health. He also stresses the importance of listening and reminds his students of the value of social change. When students become discouraged with social challenges, Mr. Glor reminds them that unpopular minorities can become the majority and that we all have a role to play in impacting societal change.
We are thankful for Mr. Glor’s commitment to our Social Studies Department. His passion and leadership is helping to equip our students to become engaged decision makes, informed citizens and future leaders.
