Dana Bloodsworth is VFW’s Alabama Middle School Teacher of the Year

Stepping into the classroom of Mr. Dana Bloodsworth unlocks the boundaries between today’s world of 2019 and that of World History starting with the beginning of time to the year 1500.

Bloodsworth has walked the halls of Duran North Junior High School and filled the minds of 8th graders full of historical facts since 1994. 

His years of teaching have now been awarded by Alabama’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, naming Dana Bloodsworth the 2018-2019 Alabama Teacher of the Year for Middle School! 

“Thank you! This is truly an honor,” commented Bloodsworth.

“I originally thought I’d like to be a banker or meteorologist, but that changed when I went to visit two of my high school teachers,” said Bloodsworth.

A graduate of Lineville High School, Bloodsworth was impacted by his 11th and 12th grade history teacher Mrs. Fetner, and his science teacher Mr. Cooper.

“They had different approaches, but I connected with both of them,” Bloodsworth stated. “Mrs. Fetner drew students in. She had high expectations, was a bit more serious and I definitely didn’t want to disappoint her.” Bloodsworth added, “Mr. Cooper was chill. He joked a lot and had fun.”

Although, their teaching styles differed, Bloodsworth said they both did remarkable jobs and were the main influences that led him to teach.

When asked what makes a great teacher, Bloodsworth said engaging.

“Connecting with students, trying new things and the drive to tie patriotism into World History is what my class is all about.”

Bloodsworth got involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) through their Patriot’s Pen Program. 

“Patriot’s Pen is for students to write essays on some aspect of patriotism. It’s about sharing American values with others,” said Bloodsworth. He incorporated this as a bonus opportunity for his World History students.

Regarding the VFW he adds, “All the work they do is really impressive.”

That’s exactly how Bloodsworth’s principal Richard Garris sees him—impressive and why he nominated Bloodsworth for VFW’s National Teacher of the Year. “I nominated Mr. Bloodsworth because of his work with the Patriots Pen essays, his professionalism, work ethic, the lessons he does on Patriotism and Government, and his passion for teaching students,” Garris said. “He ties his history lessons back to what’s going on in our country or in our country’s history. He incorporates current events into their classroom discussions and debates on relevant issues.”

Another aspect on which Bloodsworth and Garris agree is an incredible experience for Duran North World History students—Bloodsworth’s mock court trial focusing on historical issues. Bloodsworth gives his students several ways to shine throughout the year with projects like creating propaganda posters after reading “Animal Farm,” Coats of Arms, which allows them to discover their heritage, sketch noting, which Bloodsworth says put’s doodling to good use and political ideology surveys that happen around election time to incite controlled, but heated debates. 

“I have incredible students who want to learn,” Bloodsworth said, “The most rewarding experience is when former students come up to me and say, ‘I remember your class.’” 

Challenging students to discover their beliefs and interests, Bloodsworth’s 8th grade World History class tries to “promote [the ideas of] tolerance, personal freedom and care about the less fortunate.” Over the years Bloodsworth’s classes have written to mayors, governors and presidents. 

“Mayor Pruitt answered everyone single letter and we also received a letter from a member of the Obama and Trump administrations,” Bloodsworth stated.

Tying in today’s current events to events from World History, Bloodsworth says, “It’s incredible when a parent comes up to thank you for asking their daughter to watch the news. We have news quizzes several times a month. One of the best things I heard a student say that really made me light up was, ‘Mr. Bloodsworth, I just got a news update between third and fourth period.’ It’s exciting because they’re telling me the news!”

While Bloodsworth is supporting all his students do, in return he feels that support, not only in his classroom, but throughout the Pell City School System. “It’s incredible! I could not ask for more support from a principal, superintendent or board of education. We have great academic support from Dr. Barber. He visits each school and is visible within our school system.”

As for VFW and being named the National Teacher of the Year, Garris said, “Mr. Bloodsworth is a great teacher and the kids remember him long after they leave Duran North and even after they have graduated from high school. He has been at Duran North Jr. High for 25 years and students who had him 20 years ago still talk about his class. I want to see Mr. Bloodsworth recognized for his 25 years of service at Duran North Junior High because he is truly a great teacher.”

Bloodsworth will be honored at the VFW State convention in Montgomery in June and will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year title.