U.S. history teacher Adam Maxwell returned to teaching this year at Silverado after taking a year off to recover from surgery. Despite his medical challenges, Maxwell effectively teaches the story of American history to his dual credit and regular U.S. History classes.
Maxwell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about ten years ago. This is a disorder that impacts movement, such as causing tremors or rigidity. This typically affects older individuals, but Maxwell was affected by this in his 30s as he has early-onset Parkinson’s.
“It was becoming difficult to work. I didn’t want to give up working. So I applied for brain surgery,” Maxwell said. “It was not going to provide a cure, but would, if successful, allow me a few more years doing what I love.”
In July 2023, Maxwell received the surgery. It allows him to move better and to take less medication than before.
“I would not be able to work today without having the surgery that I had,” Maxwell said. “So I’m very, very thankful.”
Maxwell is often tired during the school day, but pushes through it to teach. He’d shared his story with his classes to prepare students for things they might notice related to his condition but does not seek sympathy or attention. Despite his exhaustion, Maxwell has fun teaching and prepares engaging lessons so students can have fun in class as well.
“I basically go in and I just prepare mentally, and I come with hopefully engaging lessons,” Maxwell said. “I prepare for the class discussions daily. Discussion time is important because it helps to explain the historical concept that we’re learning. ”
To help students understand the story of U.S. History, Maxwell incorporates activities to make it fun, such as having volunteers illustrate British battle tactics with sticks representing muskets and providing an extra credit assignment for students to reenact a famous sermon from the Great Awakening. Maxwell also gives students opportunities to work in groups so they can learn together.
“I want the students to engage in the story of U.S. History, to make it make sense. I don’t want students viewing history as just a bunch of names, dates and facts. I want it to flow together as a story,” Maxwell said.
Despite the challenges of Parkinson’s, Maxwell continues to work hard and make U.S. History fun.
