Uniforms, a high pressure on academic excellence and mundane learning environments were formative experiences of CHS9 English teacher Christopher Arney’s childhood in the private school system: one he thinks was ill-fit to succeed in.
Growing up with ADHD, it was extremely challenging for Arney to excel in private schools. He found the stationary and nose-in-book method of learning inefficient.
“I always knew that I was smart and capable, but I went to a lot of very strict private schools where the educators weren’t teaching me the right way,” Arney said. “I went through most of my life feeling like I was dumb or not good enough.”
Arney’s experience in private schools in Washington D.C. juxtaposes his more freedom-centric and interactive teaching approach he brings to CHS9. His previous experience gives him the ability to customize his curriculum to students.
“Whenever you put too many restrictions on kids they start to act out,” Arney said. “If they’re a square why are we trying to force them into a circular hole?”
Arney was inspired by his senior year Theology teacher, Ms. Thornton. Thornton at his private school, Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA. inspired him to pursue a career in education.
“Ms. Thornton kind of taught how I teach, giving us more freedom and room to explore for ourselves. I realized, ‘Hey, I’m not stupid,’ I want to make that same impact on students who have ADHD like me and prefer tactile learning instead of reading a book all day. She was the best teacher I’ve ever had.”
At CHS9, Arney is head of the EF Tours chapter which aims to provide students with the opportunity to go on educational trips around the country and globe. He proposed one of EF tour destinations for the 2024-25 year: Washington D.C., where Arney grew up.
“My two passions would be travel and then teaching, so the opportunity to put them together works out perfectly,” Arney said. “I wanted to go to Washington D.C. because I grew up there. I thought it would be super cool to take my students somewhere historical but also somewhere I actually know.”
As well as being involved in EF tours at CHS9, Arney sponsors CHS9’s Leo Club promoting students in community service.
“Whenever the past sponsor stepped down, I decided that I wanted to take advantage of that and join an organization that focused solely on giving back to the immediate community,” Arney said.
Arney’s commitment to community service stems from his childhood in Boy Scouts of America.
“It’s funny because when I was in Boy Scouts, I hated it,” Arney said. “When I left, I realized how great of an organization it was, but they taught me a lot about being humble and giving back to the community.”
Arney’s childhood experiences influence his current identity and impact he makes on his students.
“I try to give students as much freedom as possible,” Arney said. “I remember wanting to be treated like an adult and be given more freedom. I would say about 98% of kids show me that when they get that freedom, they can handle it because they appreciate the fact that I’m loosening up a lot of the structures they are used to.”
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