Pren Woods

Alston Middle School (SC)

I am Pren (“Dunn”) Woods, a native of Charleston, SC. I am in my 11th year of teaching social studies at Alston Middle School in Summerville, SC. This is my 21st year of teaching. My 7th grade world history class is full of theatrics as we make history come alive and relevant. I have told my students that it is my expectation that they will transform the worlds (e.g., places of worship, school, neighborhood, sports, etc.) in which they live into better places. To achieve this classroom dynamic, it is critical that my students and I work with primary sources which help us see how the history narrative is often missing the voices of those who are marginalized.

I love my job tremendously. Mondays excite me because I get to say, “I have five days with my students. Make them count.” I love the NCHE’s focus on primary sources and providing top-notch professional development opportunities for teachers and I am thrilled to be in the teacher advisory group. When I am not teaching, you can find me eating amazing food somewhere, thinking about my next travel plan, and karaokeing.