John Montanaro

2026 Yale & Slavery Teachers Institute Cohort Member

I teach at Abraham Baldwin Middle School in Guilford, CT. Our school is a fifth and sixth grade building. I have taught both 5th and 6th grade social studies. Currently, our history arc is focused on the Americas. We start in grade 5 with the colonization of North America, how that impacted the Indigenous people of North America, the Triangular Trade, and the birth of our nation. In sixth grade we focus on developing geography skills before we pivot to studying the pre-Columbian Aztec, Inca, and Maya. The year ends with a culminating project that asks students to choose one of the three cultures, investigate the geography of the region, the Indigenous history and culture, the impact of European imperialism/mercantilism, and the Columbian Exchange. I am always looking for inspiration, new sources, and fresh perspectives. I try to leave no stone unturned. Years ago, a student indicated that we didn’t spend enough time on slavery. We took his words to heart and revamped our course content. I learned that some of the most important changes in my teaching come from listening and continuing to learn. I look forward to seeing where I can take my teaching after attending the Institute.