My name is T.J. Slancauskas (he/him). I am a Secondary Social Studies educator from Lower Burrell, PA (about 20 minutes away from Pittsburgh). In December 2020, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in History and a Minor Certificate in Religious Studies from Penn State University, and in December 2022, I earned my Master of Education and Secondary Social Studies Education Certification from Carlow University. Currently, I work as a High School World History teacher for one of the largest online cyber charter schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two dachshunds, Lea and Oreo, reading books, hiking, camping, and traveling. This summer I am a Program Leader for Session 2 of Creative Writing in the Land of Gods and Heroes in Rome. Some of my favorite class sessions to teach in my virtual classroom are on the culture and events of ancient Rome. Plus, I'm a huge fan of Rick Riordan's mythology books! I am always aiming to show my students that myths offer an interesting look at ancient cultures and civilizations -- they provide insights into how society functioned, what life was like for ordinary people, and how values were transmitted from generation to generation. Through CIEE's Programs, I believe that students are provided with a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures and other points of view. I believe that before an intellectual understanding of ideas and dogmas can occur, it is imperative to truly appreciate others – but that can only happen once individuals have put themselves in a healthy state of mind. By understanding others and entering their worlds, individuals can become better people with a broader perspective. History, government, cultural studies, and language courses have provided me with the necessary critical and analytical skills to do just that, and I hope to help students acquire that knowledge during this travel abroad learning experience. I cannot wait to explore the ancient culture of Rome and be able to share my experience!
