Meaghan’s journey to teaching history was far from linear. She initially considered journalism and later museum work but found herself balancing family life and various jobs, each with a teaching element that she enjoyed. It wasn’t until 2017 that her career took a creative turn. She launched her own publishing company, which allowed her to write and publish books while raising her children.
The idea to write books stemmed from her daughter’s curiosity about American history and the Constitution. Realizing there was a gap in resources for young learners, Meaghan wrote her first book to address her daughter’s questions. This endeavor resulted in the creation of the “Kids Have Questions, Too!” series, with two books published to date: What Does the U.S. Constitution Say? and What is the Bill of Rights? She’s currently working on a third book about the Declaration of Independence, set to be released later this year.
Meaghan’s passion for history and her love for writing naturally led her to the classroom. After hosting community classes on the Constitution and gaining a reputation for making history accessible and engaging, she was offered a teaching position at Southwest Prep in early 2024. Since then, she has fully embraced her role, using her books and experiences to enrich her teaching. In her U.S. History and Government classes, her books serve as both resources and examples, demonstrating the value of chasing dreams and building something meaningful.
When asked what she finds most rewarding about teaching history to high school students, Meaghan says it’s about making connections. She loves it when students make real-world connections to the historical events they
Meaghan’s approach to teaching is all about storytelling. She believes history is about people—their relationships, decisions, and emotions—and this is what makes the subject come alive. Rather than focusing on dates and events, she presents history as a narrative, encouraging her students to engage with the material by asking questions and seeking deeper understanding. She often recommends historical movies and opens the floor for discussions, which helps students see history as more than just textbook material.
Teaching history does come with its challenges, especially when covering difficult topics. Meaghan emphasizes the importance of studying all parts of history, even the uncomfortable moments, to prevent repeating the mistakes of the past. She fosters a classroom environment that encourages respectful dialogue and critical thinking, ensuring students understand that history cannot be judged by today’s standards.
Looking ahead, Meaghan has big plans. She has eight more books planned for her series on American history and is also working on other projects she’s eager to share. Through her work, both in the classroom and in publishing, Meaghan hopes to inspire her students to think critically, get involved in their communities, and understand how history continues to shape the world they live in.
In her words: “I hope to make a difference in my students' lives, teaching them not just what the Constitution says but how to think for themselves. I want them to leave my class with the ability to see how history impacts their everyday lives and how they can contribute to their communities.”
Meaghan Halderman’s dedication to teaching and writing serves as a powerful example of how passion and creativity can shape the future—one student at a time.