By Margaret Hodson ’16, Perspectives Section Editor
Mr. Yven Destin will be teaching four sections of history—two classes of both ninth grade Ancient World History and 10th grade Modern European History. He breaks class time into five different parts, a method he has found successfully keeps students alert and interested. The five parts are brainteaser, a brief lecture often including videos, a large group discussion, a small group discussion, and a wrap-up. He noted that while knowledge is certainly important, one of the most beneficial aspects of education is gaining confidence. His personal mantra is “Be courageous and persevere,” a skill he also hopes to teach his students. Regarding that phrase, he explained, “I think that really captures not just what I’ve been trying to do, but what I hope students will follow.” Mr. Destin obtained his undergraduate degree at Morehouse College, the only all-male, all black college in the United States. He wrote his senior thesis about power relations in couples and was the president of the Sociology Club, a position previously held by Martin Luther King Jr. He obtained his master’s degree from the University of Chicago and did a study abroad at University of Cape Town, where he focused on human rights. Mr. Destin spent five years at the University of Pittsburgh in a PhD program and recently submitted his dissertation for review. As part of this doctorate program, he gained five years of experience teaching college students. He also taught as an adjunct professor at both Westminster College and Chatham University. Other teaching experience includes three years spent teaching geography and American Civics to middle school students in Miami Florida. In his free time, he likes to write and play chess. This summer, he hopes to begin work on a book about seven Haitians who have hidden their identities.
