About Me!

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Matt Soltis and I’m currently studying childhood education with a dual certification in special education for grades 1-6. I earned my bachelor’s degree at Mount Saint Mary College and I have returned to complete my master’s degree. I am also a professional historian of art history and military aviation history. Before the pandemic, I presented my findings in front of libraries and colleges through out the Hudson Valley. As a budding educator, I have developed a strong philosophy about using objects to teach social studies. Objects and artifacts are our most direct portals to the past. Studying periods like the Baroque Era or World War I is like travelling to a foreign land. History is characterized by beliefs, personalities, cultures and lifestyles that we just can’t relate to. For me, my curiosity is routed in this inability to relate to the ways of yesterday.

Teaching "Art Thefts and Forgeries of the 20th Century for the adult lifelong learning program at Vassar College! 

 As a child, I learned the 18^th century candle-making process and I learned calligraphy because I wanted to write in the styles of that time. My belief in the power of teaching social studies with objects stems from when I began collecting coins, stamps, paper money, antiques and military memorabilia from all different time periods! These objects made me feel deeply connected with the past. Each artifact provided me with a small glimpse into how things were. There is a concept known as chronological thinking which is a vital skill when it comes to studying our history. I believe these artifacts are the most concrete demonstration of chronology and continuity. The ability to compare a stamp issued during the American Civil War with a modern stamp brings important perspective for me. As a future teacher, I intend to implement artifacts and projects in the majority of my lessons. As a student, I vividly recall experiencing disappointment with my teachers in terms of using those tools to bring the living history to the class. History, like space, is expanding every day which presents social studies instructors with a tremendous problem. As a young student, I remember many of my teachers rushing through material which resulted in poor coverage of a time period or concept. As an aspiring teacher of social studies, I intend to draw every ounce of enthusiasm from my students by asking them what they are curious about learning. Social studies is the study of each and every one of our origin stories and I look forward to leading my students in their journey to self-discovery.

To visit my professional Facebook page click here!

 Check out my upcoming lecture!