As the school year starts back up again, Princeton Day School welcomes many new and familiar faces to the faculty–none more so than Mr. Michael Augsberger, head coach of the PDS tennis program, and now, the newest addition to the History department. Mr. Augsberger began this school year teaching multiple classes, including Latin and American History. Students describe his class as fun and energetic, with Sophomores Cora Schartman and Helen Qi calling his class “fun, energetic, and supportive.” ___ added, “I love how he integrates humor into his teaching style. He’s a positive figure inside and outside of the class, especially when he says hi to us in the hallways.”
In the classroom, Mr. Augsberger strives to be both a teacher and a motivator. He not only delivers in-depth lessons, but also encourages his students to challenge themselves by pursuing AP courses and deeper studies in history. “I want my students to understand the material that they are learning and why history is important for understanding the future,” he explained.
Beyond teaching, Mr. Augsberger is an avid reader, movie-watcher, and theater-goer. He has a deep passion for Roman History—a mix of his two favorite subjects—as well as the Antebellum era of American History, especially reading the book, “Miracle of Philadelphia,” by Catherine Drinker Bowen. “It’s written by someone who lived in Haverford, like me,” he shared. “I like having connections to the text I’m reading, and I want my class to also learn and make those connections with the history they’re learning.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Augsberger also has many new ideas for the History department. He hopes to incorporate more interactive activities, such as games, debates, and presentations, to make history more engaging and help students explore the reasoning behind many historical decisions. Another change he would like to see is an increased emphasis on writing within the curriculum. Though he admits sometimes it is tedious to write, he adds that “to have written is joy unlike anything.”
With his creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to student learning, Mr. Augsberger has many plans for this year and beyond, and PDS is excited to see what such a brilliant mind has to offer!
