Selma High School has a new World History teacher. Mrs. Jodi Darakjian has now started teaching 10th grade World History in room 410. You may recognize her since she previously taught history to 8th graders at Abraham Lincoln Middle School for eight years. This is her ninth year teaching in the Selma Unified School District.
Mrs. Darakjian attended Fresno Pacific University, where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in History, teaching credentials, and masters degree.
Mrs. Darakjian knew she wanted to teach for a long time. She wanted to provide the same experience that her teachers provided for her to her own students.
“If I could be a professional student, I would be so happy…so this is my way that I get to stay in school and I get to continuously learn,” said Mrs. Darakjian.
However, she was torn between teaching History or English.
“I had really great English teachers, and I loved reading and I enjoyed writing,” expressed Mrs. Darakjian.
Thankfully, with the influence of her high school history teacher, she realized that all of the best stories that English teachers use come from History.
“I knew that that truly was where I had my interest,” said Mrs. Darakjian
Mrs. Darakjian wanted to teach at Selma High School because she felt that she could reach out to students who were similar to her in growing up in a small town.
“That’s what I grew up experiencing and I knew that a small town and a small community was where I felt comfortable,” expressed Mrs. Darakjian.
Mrs. Darakjian’s plan for this school year is to focus on the understanding of different cultures. With her last name being Armenian, she will spend a good chunk of time teaching her students about the Armenian Genocide, as it is very personal to her life.
She will also be giving students an opportunity to learn about its significance.
“[We will] dig into how our world has gotten to this point. How we’re here, [and] how this history got us to where we currently are,” expressed by Mrs. Darakjian.
Along with teaching, Mrs. Darakjian has many passions outside of school.
“Most of my students know I’m a very big Star Wars and Harry Potter geek,” said Mrs. Darakjian.
Intriguingly enough, both of her children are actually named after either a Star Wars character or a Harry Potter character. She is also a very enthusiastic Lego fan.
“My husband and I really like to do Lego sets and we’ve purchased Lego sets in advance for our kids for when they get older,” excitedly expressed by Mrs.Darakjian.
Her children include her son Kanan who will be turning four, and her younger daughter Kingsley who will be turning two.
“They’re my absolute pride and joy, and besides being a teacher, all my life I’ve known my calling is to be a mom. So outside of my classroom, my kids are my everything,” said Mrs. Darakjian.
She states that her experience here at Selma High School has been fabulous. She enjoys walking around campus and seeing past students from ALMS. “It was a positive experience to see them again. And I’m really looking forward to next year as well, I’ll have former students again. So that’s been really nice.”
Mrs. Darakjian is happy to be part of Bear Nation, and she’s excited to bring the same passion that she had at ALMS here. “I’ve always wanted high school, and I’m excited that I finally get to do that.”
