History comes alive at CVHS with Ian Rodriquez
At CVHS, history isn’t just a subject, it’s a journey through time. Stepping into Ian Rodriquez’s Modern World and U.S. History classes, you’ll see students tracing trade routes on colorful maps, passionately debating which empire had the most influence, or reenacting significant moments from the Civil Rights Movement with conviction. A CVHS alumnus from the class of 2001, Rodriquez transforms history into a dynamic exploration of today’s challenges, making the past feel alive and immediate.
After graduating from CVHS, Rodriquez earned his degree at UC Santa Cruz, where he deepened his love for history. Returning to his alma mater, he brings that passion to his classroom, inspiring students to see history as more than just dates and events.
“I always feel included in the topics and lectures,” said junior Linda Yang. “He encourages us to be our best selves, which makes me feel comfortable growing in his class.”
Rodriquez’s lessons are immersive, blending current events with historical context to keep the material relevant. In one activity, students analyzed historical speeches to uncover hidden biases, their voices rising with enthusiasm as they shared their findings. In another, they dived into simulations that recreated the struggles of workers during the Industrial Revolution, gaining a tangible sense of history’s impact on everyday lives.
“He shares personal stories that tie back to our lessons, which helps me remember concepts better,” said junior Pratishya Bhattari. “He shows how history is still relevant today and how it often repeats itself in surprising ways.”
Rodriquez credits much of his teaching philosophy to his time as a journalist for The Olympian, CVHS’ newspaper.
“Journalism taught me the importance of deadlines,” he says. “That’s a skill I pass on to my students. They’ll use it their whole lives.”
Students appreciate Rodriquez’s firm yet approachable demeanor. As the bell rings, he greets the class with a calm but clear reminder about respect and focus, setting the tone for a productive session. Those who are initially intimidated by his structured approach quickly realize it creates a supportive and inclusive environment.
“He appears strict,” said junior Paty Escalera, “but his rules create a safe space.”
Rodriquez’s goal is to make history personal and engaging, just as his own teachers once inspired him. He often reflects on their ability to make history feel alive and aims to do the same for his students. By fostering spirited debates, encouraging thoughtful discussions, and building genuine connections, Rodriquez is reshaping how history is taught, one lesson at a time.