Going anywhere new and unfamiliar can be a challenge for most, especially for a teacher in a new school district. But for Lincoln’s new social studies teacher Mr. Donegan, it’s been a welcome challenge.
“My experience at LHS has been wonderful,” Mr. Donegan said. “Anytime you begin a new chapter in life, such as starting at a new school, there is a blend of excitement and anxiety. I have felt so supported in these first few weeks, from my students giving me directions around the school, my D wing neighbors checking in on me, and the social studies department being so willing to help me get used to teaching a new curriculum. While the excitement hasn’t worn off (it won’t), a lot of the anxiety and stress of being a new teacher has been relieved, and I think that’s a testament to the supportive culture and community at LHS.”
Hired to replace Mrs. Cook, who retired at the end of last year, Mr. Donegan teaches U.S History, World History, and Civics. He is passionate about teaching social studies to his students and really enjoys the subject matter.
“I love history!” he said. “I credit my parents for that; they read to my brother and I a lot growing up, and I can still remember sitting on my parents bed as my Dad read us short stories from a book about Greek mythology. They passed that enthusiasm for understanding the past to me, and everyday I get to share that with our students. I guess I love teaching history because I am a nerd.”
After the departure of Mrs. Cook, Mr. Donegan has been a great addition to the social studies department, and is appreciated by his peers,” social studies department head Mr. Allen said. “In addition to Mr. Donegan’s teaching experience, he brings outside experience working within the community and state that will fit nicely into the development of our curriculum.”
Mr. Donegan, who lives in Rhode Island with his wife and infant son, comes to LHS from Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, where he taught for three years.
“I really enjoyed the three years I spent teaching at Saint Rays, but I felt that it was the right time to make a change to another district to continue my growth as a teacher. I do miss my former students there. I had many of this year’s graduating class as Sophomores and Juniors, and am excited to see them graduate in the spring!”
Coming from Saint Raphael which is a private catholic school, meant an adjustment for Mr. Donegan.
“Lincoln Public Schools has a very robust vision of the graduate,” he said. “I previously taught at a private-catholic high school and while they have a very strong identity and core values, I believe LHS is more intentional in tying in their values and vision of the graduate with classroom instruction.”
Mr. Donegan used his creativity on the first day of school to create an activity (and decoration for his room) that ties with the school’s values and replaced the icebreakers that other teachers normally do on the first day of school. Mr. Donegan had his students write on a sticky note the legacy they wanted to leave behind at LHS. He then put it on his board, with the hope that it will help his students make sure they make an impact at LHS.
“I hope to empower students to be active participants in their communities,” he said. “I love teaching history and talking about the past, but what really excites me is when we leverage that knowledge to inform the present and shape the future. Part of Lincoln’s vision of the graduate is civic responsibility, and I look forward to helping instill that sense of civic duty within our students.”
