Learning over 500 years of history in just one school year, followed by an hours-long exam seems like a daunting task – until you’ve taken history with Mr. Rosinbum. He has been deemed a student favorite, because of his lectures and teaching style that makes every class engaging, easy to understand, and chock-full of information. By the time the AP exam rolls around, every task feels accomplishable and a passing score isn’t out of reach. Rosinbum has even been fondly nicknamed “RosinGOAT” by some students.
Former badminton head coach and teacher of over a decade, Rosinbum currently works in the social studies department with several periods of AP US History and one period of AP European History. After considering a career as a college professor, Rosinbum decided on becoming a teacher that would combine his love for history, math, and working with young people.
Rosinbum’s classes have become highlights for anyone who takes them. Junior and current student Karina Kapadia says she never really enjoyed history and “was dreading going into AP US History” until she went into Mr. Rosinbum’s class where she “instantly loved it.” Kapadia also mentions that Rosinbum is “always so interactive and energetic and you can truly tell that he loves what he does.”
Over the course of the year, history teachers will discuss hundreds of details, events, and topics that make up the course. In Rosinbum’s class, it’s hard to choose just one activity that is the students’ favorite. This year has had many memorable moments including Boston Tea Party and Constitutional Convention recreations, Westward Expansion shark tanks, and speed dating with New Deal programs where history comes alive in unique and engaging lessons.
Rosinbum says his favorite topics to teach “changes a lot over the years.” One event that sticks out to Rosinbum in European History is the Reformation Period, because it is a “really fascinating time in history with profound effects.” In US History, Rosinbum says looking into the New Deal was his favorite this year, a lesson that involved the students participating in pro se courts to debate the effectiveness of the programs.
Of course, timed writes in this class are inevitable. A mere class period to write an essay is not an easy task; although perhaps the far more impressive feat is Rosinbum’s 24-hour grading turn around for about 150 students. In any of these essays, mistakes and typos are bound to happen as a byproduct of the time restraint. Rosinbum fondly remembers the time that a student was discussing smuggling during the American Revolution and, in a strong statement defending his position, made a claim about the colonist’s God-given right to “snuggle.” Years later this student serves as a warning to proofread but has also become a fun memory to look back on.
One piece of advice Rosinbum would offer his students is to remember that balance is key. He emphasizes that “every time you say ‘yes’ to something, you say ‘no’ to something else.” This can be applied throughout life whether simply planning your day, to trying to accomplish a task. Rosinbum says to first “make sure you say ‘yes’ to the most important things,” such as family, health, and community.
Rosinbum’s final piece of advice to students would be to not forget to be a kid and enjoy these last few years because “soon enough you get to be an adult forever.”
To any incoming Ridge students, be sure to sign up for a class taught by Mr. Rosinbum if given the chance. Kai Doyle, another current junior and student of Mr. Rosinbum describes him as “hands down the best teacher I’ve ever had.” Doyle adds that “he truly cares about his students and actively works to improve the way he teaches.” It’s not often you find a teacher as passionate, committed, and entertaining as Mr. Rosinbum.
