As students step into his classroom, Coppell High School social studies department head and AP government teacher Michael Erickson leans back in his chair with a thoughtful smile, preparing to dive into the nuances of government just as the 2024 Presidential Election approaches. 

However, these students aren’t just preparing for tests or memorizing facts – they are learning how to participate in a democracy. Erickson, with nearly two decades of teaching experience, has spent 17 years at Coppell ISD helping students understand the complexities of the U.S. historical facts and government system. 

“Teaching government during an election year is a unique opportunity,” Erickson said. “It’s not just about understanding how our system works, but about showing students how to engage with it. My job isn’t to influence them; it’s to give them the tools to form their own opinions and participate as informed citizens.”

The roots of Erickson’s passion for political education run deep, making his journey into education anything but a coincidence. Growing up in a politically active family, he was drawn to history and government early on. His mother was a teacher for more than 30 years, and his father made sure he and his brother were well-versed in political affairs.

“I grew up watching the news with my dad,” Erickson said. “My parents were very active in politics, and they always made sure my brother and I understood what was going on. Politics has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

After earning his degree in history from Ohio University, Erickson started teaching in 2004, right out of college. His first assignment was teaching AP U.S. History at a high school in Cleveland. 

“I was 23 and the kids were 17,” Erickson said. “I wasn’t ready, but I quickly fell in love with it.”

He taught at Coppell Middle School East for nine years before transitioning to the high school in 2015. Over the years, he’s taught AP World History, AP U.S. History and most recently, AP Government. For Erickson, teaching AP Government, especially to seniors who are about to vote for the first time, is the pinnacle of social studies education. 

“Teaching seniors and having real conversations about government and politics is something I’ve always aspired to,” Erickson said. “It’s the most rewarding part of what I do.”

This personal connection to politics is highlighted in Erickson’s AP Government class, where his students appreciate his passion and enthusiasm. 

“My first impression of Mr. Erickson was that he was a pretty laid-back teacher who genuinely loves what he teaches,” senior and 2023-24 government student Swathi Karthikeyan said. “When he explained government concepts, I could see he had a passion for the class through his enthusiasm and energy.”

Erickson’s dedication to making government knowledge accessible and engaging is reflected in his teaching methods.

“He made government interesting by using a variety of teaching methods like group projects, lectures and videos, which kept the class engaging and fresh, rather than repetitive,” Karthikeyan said. “Thanks to his class, I feel more informed and prepared to vote, knowing how much thought and knowledge goes into making decisions that impact society.”

One of Erickson’s unique strengths is his ability to make his lectures relatable, trying to adapt to a high school student’s mindset.

“We spend a lot of time talking about ideologies: what conservatives and liberals believe and how those beliefs shape policies,” Erickson said. “I encourage my students to take their emotions out of it and focus on understanding the different viewpoints. That way, they can make decisions based on facts, not just feelings.”

However, Erickson’s influence extends far beyond the walls of B215.  

“He absolutely takes the job of teaching seriously, but he’s also open to different viewpoints,” CHS AP U.S. History teacher Shawn Hudson said. “Erickson makes sure students feel like their voices are heard and that they can approach him with their ideas, no matter what they believe.”

“As a department chair, Erickson is so thoughtful about everything he does,” Hudson said. “He’s always watching, listening and making sure we have the support we need.”

In addition to supporting his students, Erickson also serves as a mentor to younger teachers in the department, sharing the lessons he’s learned over nearly two decades in the classroom. 

“I love helping younger teachers grow,” Erickson said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them evolve and become better educators. I wish someone had told me when I was younger to just relax and trust the process.”

Hudson appreciates this mentorship, noting how Erickson’s leadership has positively impacted the department. 

“He’s not someone who rushes into things or just assigns work to his students to fill up the class time,” Hudson said. “He really does take his time, makes thoughtful decisions, listens to each student’s opinion and genuinely cares about his students and colleagues.”

Erickson’s ability to connect with his students on a personal level, making the often-daunting subject of government relatable, is what sets him apart.

“I’ve always felt like the government is the pinnacle of social studies,” Erickson said. “If you’re going to teach social studies, you want to be in a position where you’re guiding students through the realities of how things are structured, how they work and how they affect them personally.”

As the Presidential Election draws near, Erickson’s students, whether they are preparing to vote for the first time or simply beginning to grasp the importance of civic engagement, will carry his lessons far beyond the classroom. For Erickson, that’s the ultimate reward.

“Voting is really important, and I want them to feel empowered to make informed decisions based on what they’ve learned in class,” Erickson said. “I want my students to leave my class not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to use it.” 

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