Frank Swoboda
Frank has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan, taught Russian at the University of Iowa, directed research and projects related to global hunger and agriculture at the World Food Prize, and led pre-GED courses for adult refugees in his hometown of Des Moines. He has also lived and studied in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Prague, Czech Republic, and worked or traveled across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Frank was lucky to have several teachers who inspired his love of all things international, and he hopes to in turn explore with his students the many awesome opportunities the world has to offer. Frank is a Cohort 9 History Resident at the Boston Latin Academy.
Inspiration to teach:
I’m never so energized as when I’m teaching. It’s the most interesting and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. When I see or experience good teaching, I’m excited. When I see or experience uninspired teaching, I’m frustrated at the lost opportunity it represents. I want to do my part to be sure there’s more good teaching in the world. We need it.
About BTR:
I randomly stumbled on the BTR website and, since then, a lot of what I thought I knew about teaching and learning has been upended. Google, I owe you one.
Favorite Thing in the World To Do:
Anything that’s new – traveling, sampling a dish for a first time, running farther than I did yesterday, getting lost in a book, stumbling on a great new song.
Random thought:
“Do or do not – there is no try.” – Master Yoda
Recently by Frank
RSS Feed10.08.11 - Early lessons in community
“Yo, Raph!” A tall student bumps fists with a skinny, short guy in the hall outside our classroom. As the bell rings, another student runs in – and, before taking her seat, exchanges quick cheek kisses with her friend. Discussing immigration in the Gilded… [more]
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8.28.11 - Testing, testing…is this thing on?
Before starting my new life as a BTR resident, I asked one of my favorite teachers what he would do differently in his own preparation, if he were starting out now. His advice: “Get comfortable with technology.” I have been thinking about that a… [more]
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