Kade Goodwin teaches 8th grade U.S. History at Liberty Middle School in Liberty, Texas, where he focuses on helping students build a strong foundation in constitutional principles, civic understanding, and historical thinking skills. In just his second year of teaching, Kade is already creating structured, student-centered lessons that connect historical content to real-world applications and prepare students for success on the TEKS and STAAR.

In this Educator Spotlight, we chat with Kade about his passion for teaching the Constitution, how Exploros supports deeper understanding, and a practical strategy he uses to make history relevant and engaging.

👋 Introduce yourself, including your name, subject, and grade level.

My name is Kade Goodwin, and I am an 8th grade U.S. History teacher at Liberty Middle School in Liberty, Texas. I graduated from Sam Houston State University, and this is my second year teaching. I teach U.S. History from colonization through Reconstruction, with a strong focus on constitutional principles, civic understanding, and historical thinking skills aligned to the TEKS and STAAR expectations.

📚 What aspect of Social Studies do you find most fascinating and enjoy teaching the most, and why?

My favorite aspect of teaching Social Studies is the U.S. Constitution. I enjoy helping students understand how the Constitution establishes the structure of government and protects individual rights. When students learn how principles like checks and balances, federalism, and limited government apply to real situations and Supreme Court cases, they gain a clearer understanding of how the Constitution continues to guide our system of government today.

🎉 Share a success story or memorable moment made possible by Exploros.

One success story made possible by Exploros occurred during a lesson on the checks and balances system. Students analyzed scenarios where one branch of government acted beyond its authority and used Exploros prompts to explain which branch could respond and how. Many students who typically struggle with abstract concepts were able to clearly explain constitutional processes in their own words. Their written responses showed noticeable growth in both confidence and understanding.

💻 How has technology, particularly Exploros, empowered you as a teacher, helping you achieve your goals and enhance student outcomes?

Exploros allows me to move away from lecture-based instruction and toward student-centered learning. The platform supports primary source analysis, guided questioning, and real-time feedback, which helps students practice STAAR-style thinking while staying engaged. It also gives me immediate insight into student understanding so I can adjust instruction as needed.

🚀 What's one effective teaching strategy or tip for boosting confidence and student engagement in Social Studies?

One effective strategy is using real-world connections and modern parallels. When students can connect historical concepts, like constitutional rights or limits on government power, to current events or situations they recognize, they become more engaged and confident in their understanding. Making history relevant helps students see its value beyond the classroom.