Four Questions With a Department Chair

By Max Miller-

This week, we interviewed Ms. Sennett, the head of the history department and ICJA’s Israel Advocacy Club, one of the largest clubs in the school.

1. What’s your vision for history at the Academy in a few years?

I would hope that the Social Studies Department would continue to provide students with the history and skills they need to understand themselves and their government and society. Understanding the past allows students to see their place in the world both as individuals and as citizens.

2. What areas do you think we can improve in? What areas do you think we’re excelling in?

The Academy and the department have made many positive changes that I’m proud of since I began teaching to improve students learning. As an example, MJH now includes the history of Israel, how its government works and promotes advocacy. The course gives seniors the skills and knowledge they will need when they attend college. In addition, the Academy has a wonderful sense of community. Teachers and students have relationships beyond just the classroom.

3. You started working at the Academy in 1993— over 25 years ago. What keeps you here? What do you enjoy about Ida Crown?

In many ways teaching at the Academy began as an experiment, as I had not previously taught high school. I have now been at the Academy 26 years and have loved every one of them. This is largely because of the students who attend the Academy. I learn so much from them every year, and the relationships I have built with many of the students have lasted beyond their college years. There is a sense of community at the Academy that has enriched by life.

4. What are your plans for Israel Advocacy? Now that AIPAC’s Early Engagement Director has changed, do you think anything about ICJA’s pro-Israel lobbying will change?

Israel Advocacy has grown over the past several years and I hope it will continue to do so. I am proud of the students who have taken control and made advocacy so strong. The changes to AIPAC's Early Engagement will not affect AIPAC's efforts on behalf of the American-Israeli relationship. Israel Advocacy Club has already begun establishing a strong relationship with the new team at AIPAC.