C huck Wineholt, Upper School social studies teacher, can’t believe it has been more than 25 years since he started teaching at Parker—a journey he never imagined he would end up on but has enjoyed every moment enriching the minds of his students to look critically at history.
“I consider myself extremely lucky to see and hear a whole generation’s view of history and what they think of current events,” says Chuck. “I have a front row seat and I enjoy my conversations with my students.”
Chuck never thought he would be a teacher. He thought he would be working for the CIA or some other government agency serving his country in some compacity. It wasn’t until his sophomore year in college when Chuck realized teachers have a bigger impact on the world through the lives of their students.
“I had an amazing professor for European history. She brought the material to life for us in a way that went far beyond the kind of factual memorization that I had to do in high school,” remembers Chuck. “Her stories reflected her absolute love of the material and her desire to share that love with students, it was infectious!”
For Chuck, the lessons of history come when his students get to analyze and discuss the decisions of world powers and government administrations—an important piece for preparing them for positions of leadership one day.
“Teaching history provides such an awesome platform for discussing important events around the world with students and I love that the kids at Parker ask such good questions in class that my own assumptions and understandings about how the world ‘works’ are constantly challenged, which allows me to grow, as well,” says Chuck.
“Teaching history provides such an awesome platform for discussing important events around the world with students and I love that the kids at Parker ask such good questions in class that my own assumptions and understandings about how the world ‘works’ are constantly challenged, which allows me to grow, as well.”
In his two decades at Parker, Chuck has taught a variety of classes including American history, world history, honors world history, and AP European history. He also has coached soccer, baseball, and lacrosse and continues to serve as the faculty mentor to the amnesty international club, the opera club, and the gourmet club.
At the end of the day, Chuck wants students to remember the deep discussions they had in class. Remembering what was said is not important but acknowledging that everyone has a different perspective.
“If I can energize empathetic leaders who acknowledge that their perspective is not the only one that exists, then I believe I have done my job as a teacher,” says Chuck.
