Mr. Paul Aburrow’s education career did not begin with teaching Civics at Community School of Davidson. After graduating from the American University and working as a tsu-chef for many years, he dove into the teaching world. He had already taught US History, World History, Global Studies, Geography, AP Euro, AP US, Government and Economics before welcoming students to his CSD classroom.

There are many reasons Mr. Aburrow was drawn to teaching. For one, he always enjoyed social studies and English in school.

“Anything that was a story, I could get behind,” said Mr. Aburrow.

His teaching encompasses many of his personal values from growing his body of knowledge to then sharing that knowledge with students. 

His main hope is to be able to make an impact on student lives. He feels it is also essential to bring in real-life experiences and examples to help add context and expand understanding of whatever material he is teaching. 

For example, he indulged students in his family history and how it impacted his life trajectory.

“My maternal grandmother grew up dirt poor as part of a sharecropping family in Hagerstown, Maryland. The thing that pulled her out of poverty was education, she got into the University of Maryland, and worked her way through college, eventually, she got involved in the government, the public sector,” said Mr. Aburrow. “I remember sitting around the kitchen table and her telling me stories about the things she learned, in school and in life, from her own experiences. I was raised to appreciate learning, inside and outside of the classroom.”

Now at CSD, he has found a place to lean into his strengths and benefit his new students with an inquisitive mind and ability to explore education creatively. He feels that he has entered a realm of new opportunities at CSD and is excited to be a catalyst for growing excitement toward learning. 

“There are times when it’s brought me to tears, literal tears, seeing students accomplish these things,” said Mr. Aburrow.

Through his teaching style and charisma students immediately fell in love with Civics, even those who never gravitated to it in the past. 

“I really think I’ve found my new home,” said Mr. Aburrow.

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During the writing process, Mr. Aburrow had to part ways with CSD so he could focus on his family’s needs. Although he spent a short time at CSD, it was a very impactful experience for students, as well as, hopefully, Mr. Aburrow. He will be missed and CSD wishes him well in his further endeavors.