When hip-hop recording artist Kanye West announced his plan to run for president at last year’s Video Music Awards, it spurred a media frenzy. KS Kapālama Middle School social studies kumu Ray Parker was quick to capitalize on West’s declaration by using it as a catalyst for a lesson on the U.S. electoral process.
Parker collaborated with fellow middle school Pū‘ulu Lama team teachers, Mandy Chock, Melodee Ferreira, Peggy Harbottle, and Eric Kane to develop a lesson entitled: “Can Kanye West Run for President?” West’s speech was used as the foundation for the requirements on presidential candidacy laid out in the U.S. Constitution.
Though the electoral process is usually covered during the school’s fourth academic quarter, Parker noted that Pū‘ulu Lama kumu have all agreed upon ”flash-mob learning,” which involves a style of teaching incorporating current events and popular culture as a way to better connect with students.
“We have a team agreement and a structure that whenever something big happens that’s meaningful to a middle school student, we shut down everything that we’re doing, teach about it, and as professionals weave our content into it,” Parker said.
“And when you have a team that is flexible, willing to be vulnerable and try new things, the possibilities are endless – especially in an open-concept learning environment like we have where we’re not restricted by four walls.”
Parker’s pop culture-related lessons have included teaching morals and ethics through the “Star Wars” universe, and using superheroes “The Avengers” to analyze the checks and balances system of the U.S. government.
Parents and family members have a chance to get in on the action during Back-to-School Day, when Parker presents a lesson on America’s 13 Colonies based on the hit television series “The Walking Dead.” Haumāna along with their accompanying visitors are charged with creating and establishing a functional society.
“If social media and pop culture is really all students think about before and after school, then why not try and incorporate that into my lessons?” he said.
“Just to hear the debate between the students and parents, and then parents mentioning that a conversation like that with their child would have never occurred without the lesson, makes it totally worthwhile.”
A Kāneʻohe, O‘ahu native, Parker graduated from KS Kapālama in 2001 before venturing off to Colorado Mesa University where he earned a bachelor’s in psychology. He returned home to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy with the hopes of working with children of divorce.
While taking classes at Chaminade University of Honolulu, Parker began substitute teaching at the Kapālama campus, fell in love with the classroom setting and is now in his seventh year as a middle school social studies teacher.
“Through subbing I found that 8th grade is a fun age to teach, said Parker, who eventually earned a master’s in middle-level education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
“The mood swings, changes, it’s all fun to be a part of. If you can be a positive mentor you can really set them up for success in high school, and I enjoy that aspect.”
Parker considers his style of teaching a sort of “mixtape” of some of the best kumu he had while at KS, including high school English teacher Jim Slagel – who gives students a voice, and former world history kumu Rick Hyde who pushed the boundaries of learning.
“I look at the huge impact my teachers made on my life and sometimes I don’t remember exactly what they taught me in the classroom, but I remember how they made me feel. I try to take all those things and incorporate them into one teaching style for the student.”
For Parker, the joy of teaching doesn’t come from creating Bill of Rights memes or swapping out a picture of Paul Revere with a pic of comedian Jack Black, but instead seeing his students excel on their post-unit assessments in which they have to answer high-level essay questions related to the subject matter.
“I really try to stay away from the Google-able stuff,” Parker said. “I use pop culture as the base so my students are able to see the connection between historical events and what’s going on throughout our society.
“I love sitting there and thinking, wow, I just tricked you into learning social studies.”
This story is part of “I Mua Kamehameha,” an ongoing effort to celebrate the excellence of KS campus and community education programs. Inspirational stories will be shared throughout the year about KS servant leaders who are improving the lives of KS haumāna and contributing to a thriving Lāhui.
Each year I look at the huge impact my teachers made on my life and sometimes you don’t remember what they taught you in the classroom, but you remember how they made you feel. I try to take all those things and incorporate them into one teaching style for the student.
Ray Parker, KSK Social Studies Kumu
Along with teaching 8th grade social studies, Parker coaches JV boys basketball, advises many middle school clubs, and heads a popular summer school course based on the television show "The Restaurant."
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