He's quite the sociable guy: Dixon High history teacher wins March Amazing Teacher award

DIXON – When it came time for Brandon Woodward to start thinking about his post-college life, there was a big career question he had to face.

Business? Psychology? Teaching?

When Woodward was called into the guidance department at North Central College one day and told "you've got to figure this out or you're going to be here another year," it forced him to make the big decision.

What the Dixon native knew best was that he liked to communicate with people, wanted to stay involved in sports, and loved education.

Nearly 14 years of teaching later, he couldn't imagine his life any other way.

Social studies is Woodward's subject of choice, and he's taught the importance of both "social" and "studies" well enough to be March's recipient of Sauk Valley Media and KSB Hospital’s Dixon Amazing Teachers Award.

"I take a great deal of pride in this community and what we are able to afford for everyone in this community, as well as what we can give," Woodward said. "Education is not what you have, but what you can give, and I really take that to heart."

The 36-year-old teaches contemporary and modern world history to underclassmen, and psychology and sociology to upperclassmen. His role as a history teacher also helps incoming freshmen adapt to the high school life and pre-adulthood.

The best thing about education, Woodward said, is it helps develop lifelong learners.

"People want to learn their entire life, and that can be of skills, of circumstance, or just anything at all," he said.

"I really enjoy working with [high school] students and really enjoy trying to help them find what attributes they are good at, and how they are going to become part of society. What can you do? What can you bring to the table? It's a lot of fun to help them realize that and really celebrate themselves finding it out."

Woodward also has received national recognition for his teaching: he was recognized 5 years ago by Those Who Excel for doing just that, among the top teachers in Illinois.

He also is an assistant football coach and head girls track coach, where he's coached athletes to multiple state championships.

Kim Munson, a longtime special education teacher at the high school, said Woodward is an amazing role model not only for his students, but also for his student-athletes. Her children had him as a teacher, as well.

"He considers character education and development to be as important as content and athletic skill instruction," Munson said. "By creating a culture of support and close relationships, he makes students want to be at school, which is a difficult feat for any high school teacher."

Woodward isn't a stop-and-go teacher when it comes to lessons; he creates transitions from one moment of history to another, and drives learning through compassion and respect while focusing on relationships with students.

The social side of social studies is underrated in education, in Woodward's opinion.

"It's pretty simple: If people feel appreciated, they're going to do more than what's expected. I'll try to do that through my students," he said. "With social studies, you can show a little vulnerability, you can demand and be a risk-taker in learning. If they see that direct result, and they got that, you got them hooked."

Dixon High Principal Michael Grady is glad to have had Woodward on his staff for the past 8 years; Woodward came back home after spending 5 years teaching sixth grade at PLT Middle School in Prophetstown.

"As a teacher and coach, he is very enthusiastic and positive with his students," Grady said. "He has a great sense of humor, and does a great job connecting with his students."

Contemporary world history involves what has gone on in the world in the last 100 years. While his students are away from the classroom, they are experiencing history at this present time as they read lessons, watch videos, and do homework on their computers at home.

The COVID-19 health crisis also is making Woodward work from home, teaching in a time that no one expected to come so quickly.

On top of that, he's got to manage the online learning for his own children, who attend Dixon schools. He lives in Dixon with his wife, Tiffany – who also is a Dixon High graduate – daughters Aubrey and Natalie, and son Benjamin.

His students, in his family or otherwise, seem to be adapting well.

"It's been pretty smooth for us," Woodward said. "Some students you can tell are rushing to get things in as opposed to being regimented throughout the routine of the day, but that's to be expected."

Upperclassmen in his psychology class are learning about personality formations, genetic undertones, psychological disorders and abnormal psychology. It's his favorite subject, he said, but takes on a different feel outside the classroom.

"They still have it online, but the interaction we would have in the classroom is a little more profound. It's kind of upsetting, but it's a great class and I really enjoy it," he said.

Lasting impressions mean a lot to Woodward, and he prides himself in the many social interactions he's had with past students about how he's helped shape their lives.

"It could be something completely trivial," Woodward said. "They'll stop and tell you that, and it just really reinforces your efforts in what you are doing. No doubt about it."