ELA Teachers Integrate Military Community Stakeholders
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — In an innovative effort to enhance student engagement, Pre-AP English Language Arts teacher Matthew Landreth at Fort Campbell High School invited Col. James Stultz of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division to speak to his class. The initiative is part of a broader effort by ELA teachers to connect students with military community stakeholders, providing firsthand historical accounts and primary sources of military values and personal experiences.
The session aimed to immerse students in the history, culture and lived experiences of the 101st Airborne Division. It began with a warm-up activity in which students refined their interview questions, focusing on the division’s legacy and values.
Col. Stultz shared personal reflections on his service, highlighting the division’s core values, key missions and the significance of being part of a historic military unit. He recounted challenges he faced and the lessons he learned, emphasizing the responsibility of upholding high standards. “If you see someone doing something wrong and you don’t say anything, that becomes your standard,” he told students, reinforcing the division’s core principles.
During a Q&A session, students asked open-ended questions that encouraged deeper discussion. Topics ranged from the division’s historical impact to Col. Stultz’s personal experiences, fostering connections between classroom discussions and real-world perspectives. The session concluded with a reflection activity in which students shared key takeaways and discussed how personal narratives shape history.
“This lesson was exciting, and I loved learning new information and gaining new perspectives,” said Heidi Douglas, a ninth-grade student. “Colonel Stultz gave us great answers and provided a valuable view of the 101st Airborne Division.”
A standout moment occurred when a student asked about Col. Stultz’s most valued experience in the 101st. He recalled visiting historic battle sites where the division had played a crucial role. “It is profoundly moving to witness what those who served before me accomplished, the places they reached and the legacy they left for our community and country,” he said.
Landreth’s initiative showcased the benefits of integrating guest speakers in secondary ELA education. “Colonel Stultz provided my students with an invaluable learning experience, helping them see beyond textbooks by engaging with history and global events through firsthand accounts,” Landreth said. “His insights into the 101st Airborne Division deepened their understanding and highlighted the importance of learning from those who have lived these experiences.”
By connecting with military stakeholders, ELA teachers offer students a richer perspective on their studies. Engaging with a military leader not only deepened students’ understanding of history but also helped them develop critical thinking and communication skills—key components of 21st-century learning.
