Brian McCall

About Brian

Instructor of History and Political Science Brian D. McCall has been a member of the Interlochen Arts Academy faculty since 1998. He has also served as an adjunct American History instructor at Northwestern Michigan College; adjunct American History instructor at Ferris State University; English language instructor at Inlingua Moers Sprachschule, Moers, Germany; adjunct instructor in the Department of History at Kirtland Community College, Roscommon, Michigan; graduate teaching assistant at Central Michigan University; and high school history and government instructor at Bark River-Harris Schools.

He formally served as the president of the Benzie Area Historical Society Board of Directors, vice president of the Traverse Area Historical Society, and as board secretary of the Michigan Legacy Art Park.

Mastery of content is of the utmost importance for success and credibility as an instructor in any level of education. However, a successful history instructor can and should be much more than a conveyor of information. An enthusiasm for life and learning anew are vital elements of an effective historian. The ability to motivate students is directly tied to the faculty level of interest and creativity in developing plans appropriate to grade level and subject. When students see that a seasoned instructor is excited to rediscover American history and is willing to have their assumptions challenged by recent scholarship and different perspectives, the level of a shared commitment to continuous learning is greatly expanded. To that end, I devote hundreds of hours a year to reading the latest scholarship in the different sections of my course offerings, along with brushing up on the classics in the field. Most of my summer vacation is dedicated to historical travel, NEH workshops, and this year, Gilder Lehrman seminars, all with the goal of expanding deepening my understanding of history, and mastering more effective instruction methods. An effective teacher is able to encompass the curriculum requirements with instructional methods that allow for individual differences. All successful history teachers hold a genuine interest for students as both developing thinkers and future American citizens. The role of the teacher can include many aspects such as leader, motivator, mentor, and role model. This includes taking students to local historical sites, museums, and institutions to see history first hand. Using primary sources, teaching lessons at the locations of historical events, and live interviews with eyewitnesses all take the study of the past to another higher level. These are essential aspects of teaching American history and helping students connect with their larger community and the story of its people. I have had the privilege to work in different settings and students, but none as enriching and challenging as that of Interlochen Arts Academy. Here one finds students who are motivated both in achievement for themselves and in changing the world with the power of their artistic work. One of my objectives as a teacher for creative students is to help them integrate their artistic interests into historical research and study. The foundation of my role at Interlochen is to use American history to help my students further their growth as writers, actors, musicians, dancers, and visual artists. I am blessed to work with such talented young people.