In her third year teaching at Tewksbury Memorial High School, Emily Bierman has established herself as not only a dedicated teacher, but also a true history fanatic. Students in any of her United States history classes can attest that her enthusiasm for the subject is unparalleled, and it is evident throughout her classes. Raised in both Lexington and Wayland, MA, her passion for history has followed her through her college education at Georgetown University, graduate school at Boston College, and her travels around the world.  

What were you like in high school?

I was an extreme overachiever. I wanted to be everywhere all the time and do everything well. I took seven classes my senior year, and my parents had to sign off on it because we were only allowed to take five. I also ran a community service organization. I was just everywhere, all over the place.

What courses did you take?

I took AP U.S. History, AP Spanish, and AP English. I was really big on all the humanities, and I loved languages. I took Latin as a second language my junior year.

Did you play any sports?

I ran track in high school; I ran the mile. I also did a lot of community service, which was a big time commitment.

Favorite teacher in high school?

My favorite teacher in high school was my AP U.S. History teacher. Her name was Ms. Urban, and I loved her because she was very passionate about history. Every day she would come in filled with energy, so excited about what she was teaching, and it made everyone else in the class excited to learn as well. She was the reason I solidified my interest in becoming a history teacher; I wanted to be just like her. Even today, when I walk into school, I still think about her and try to emulate her as much as I can.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little. I used to “teach” my stuffed animals; I would line them up in rows and take attendance, and I would beg my mother to take me to teaching supply stores. I’ve pretty much always wanted to be a teacher.

What classes do you teach?

I teach College Prep, Honors, and AP U.S. History, and Modern U.S. History.

What is your favorite class to teach?

All of my classes have different qualities that make them enjoyable to teach. For example, in AP, I love the motivation, and the conversations I’m able to get into about AP U.S. History. In Honors, I like the energy that comes out of the class, especially since those classes tend to be a little bigger. Then in College Prep, I love the spontaneity of it; you can go anywhere any day, and that can be fun and exciting.

What is the most rewarding thing about teaching?

It’s extremely rewarding when students come up to me, either after they’ve graduated or outside of class, and tell me something they’ve seen or remembered from my class. However, the most rewarding thing is receiving an email from a student, saying how much they enjoyed my class or how much they learned.

Did growing up in New England influence your love of history?

Definitely. I went to preschool in Lexington, right across from the Battle Green, and I remember my parents explaining it to me. Before I moved to Wayland, I lived in Lexington, so my family would always go to reenactments and museums for the Revolutionary War, and I just loved it. Part of it was definitely having New England as a historical playground, but the other part was my parents, who always looked to educate me, as well as deprive me of cable TV. I grew up watching PBS, and when I was seven, my favorite show was Antique’s Roadshow, which was not normal for a seven year old.

Favorite historian?

I have many, but my all time favorite would have to be, for U.S. History,  Alan Brinkley. He wrote my favorite textbook, American History: A Survey. I think that he is great in every way. I also love Eric Foner and Robert Dallek, who writes excellent biographies. I’m also a fan of Doris Kearns Goodwin, who wrote an excellent biography on the Kennedy family that I used a lot when I was writing my thesis in college.

Favorite historical figure?

My definite favorite is Robert F. Kennedy; I just love him. I feel that he was very genuine; he truly wanted to help people. The energy he brought with him to the political world is something we need today, for we completely lack it. I also love Winston Churchill; I named my dog after him. I also like Theodore Roosevelt, though he was slightly controversial, much for the same reasons I like Robert Kennedy; he was an energetic force many people looked up to that got people excited about politics.

Where have you traveled and what has been your favorite place to go?

I’ve been to England, France, Italy, Spain, Tanzania, and Peru. My favorite place is Tanzania; it was beautiful. Not only was I able to go on a safari when I was there, I was able to work with children at a place called “The Plaster House,” which was basically an organization that helped children recovering from orthopedic surgeries. Many were amputees, and I was able to play with them, help them, and feed them meals. It was a really nice experience.

What have your traveling experiences taught you?

Traveling is above and beyond the best thing you can spend money on. It is really invaluable, and it gives you so much perspective on the world around you, along with where other people are coming from.

How do you feel about the new schedule taking effect next year?

I think it’s great! It’s really similar to the schedule I had in high school, and it allows you to take more courses. I feel like having more course will make students look more appealing to colleges, so I think it is good all around and will make the average school day a little more exciting.

Do you see any challenges occurring in terms of how AP classes will be taught if the teacher does not see them everyday?

I think it will be challenging just to adjust from this year to next year, but most high schools follow a similar schedule. I feel like we’ve had a huge advantage the past few years, so it will just be an adjustment like anything else.

Favorite movies?

I like older movies; Casablanca is my favorite. I love the Godfather movies, but just the first and second of course. I prefer old movies to anything that’s out today.

Favorite singer?

I’ve  always liked Justin Timberlake. I used to be a big *NSYNC fan, and I transitioned into a big Justin Timberlake fan when he went solo.

What do you watch on TV?

I love everything history-related on the History Channel; you won’t catch me watching Pawn Stars or anything like that on there. I recently started Grey’s Anatomy, which is kind of my guilty pleasure.

Any hobbies?

I do a lot of running, and I love to read. I probably read a few books a week. I love it; I’m always reading.

What is your favorite book?

My all-time favorite historical book is An Unfinished Life by Robert Dallek. It was the book that got me into JFK and made me love anything Kennedy related. Of course my favorite Kennedy is  Robert Kennedy, but I loved that book. My favorite piece of literature is The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway.

Many people find that you have a great fashion sense. What are your major outfit inspirations?

It’s easier to wake up at five in the morning with that initial excitement of wearing a new piece of clothing; I need that initial excitement. When I walk into my closet in the morning, it’s the first thing that gets me excited for my day. That’s probably where I find the motivation to dress up everyday. The days when I don’t dress up are typically days I’m very sick or have a migraine.

Favorite brands of clothing?

I am obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer; if I wasn’t a teacher I’d have a lot more Lilly Pulitzer in my wardrobe, but I can’t afford it. I also love J.Crew, and the only reason I have a lot of their stuff is because I go to the outlets a lot, and also J.Crew factory, which has a lot of good discounts.

What advice do you have for your students?

Spend your time in high school learning how to learn; try to develop a love for learning early on because it makes all subsequent learning so much better. It’s so much more valuable because you feel as if you’re learning for the sake of learning new things, not just memorizing or trying to get good grades; you’re learning to become a more well-rounded individual.