Mike Walzel

Biographical Information:

 

I am a 1977 graduate of Refugio High School and attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood earning a Bachelor of Science in 1982.  I began teaching in Alpine, Texas and moved to Burnet in 1984.   I am the Burnet High School UIL Academic Coordinator, and coach the UIL Spelling team and Speech/Debate.  

 

I am married to my college sweetheart Leslie, we have three daughters, and four grandsons.  I am a member of First Baptist Church in Burnet.  I am a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, and love to watch college football.  I live on a ranch and we take care of a nice herd of Beefmaster cattle.  I have traveled to Europe 25 times and I have toured 18 different European countries and have enjoyed them all.  I am an avid birder, hunter, and play golf when I have time.  I truly enjoy my job!

Contact information:

 

The absolute best way to contact me is through the school email system.  I look at that several times daily and can most likely answer any questions you have regarding your student.  If you would prefer me to call you, I will during my conference period which is from 8:00-8:45 AM.  If you call me at school please leave a detailed message and a time to call you back with local contact information.  My email address is:    [email protected]

Course Syllabus:

 

World History Course Syllabus

Mike Walzel 

Burnet High School  2025-2026

The study of world history will rest on knowledge of facts, dates, names, places, events and ideas.  In addition, true historical understanding requires students to engage in historical thinking.   We’ll study significant people and their contributions to our society and the world, and go beyond the facts presented in the textbooks and examine historical records.  We will spend time on Document Based Questions in preparation for the STAAR exam changes that your students will take during their junior year. 

 

Students will be graded on daily work, quizzes, workbooks, chapter tests, unit tests, and major exams.  Daily work will count as 50% of the grade, and quizzes and tests will count as the other 50%. 

 

Students are REQUIRED to bring a pen/pencil, notebook paper, three ring binder, map color pencils, highlighter, to class each session.  It is my goal to have grades posted each week. 

 

If you need to contact me, please use the school email system,  [email protected]     I will be checking that system several times per day.  If you don’t receive an immediate response from me, it’s because class is in session, please be patient.  If you call the school, my phone extension is 2502, but I will not answer the phone during class time, so leave a message and I’ll respond at the earliest convenience.   Please leave a Local number and the best time for me to contact you. 

 

To make up work you will need to take advantage of the Advisory period, before school, or after school with prior arrangement.  Check the new BCISD policies in regard to make up work stated in the 2025-26 Student Handbook.

 

The following topics will be covered in accordance with the BCISD Adopted Curriculum:

 

1^st Six Weeks    Early Civilizations & The Greco Roman World

2^nd Six Weeks   Middle Ages      Islam and the Crusades

3^rd Six Weeks   Renaissance and Reformation         Age of Change

4^th Six Weeks   From Monarchy to Democracy        Economic Progress

5^th Six Weeks   The Great War         Totalitarianism and World War II

6^th Six Weeks   The Realignment of Nations and The Modern World

 

The weekly schedule will be posted in Google Classroom and on the whiteboard in class along with the learning objectives. 

Online Textbook 

 

Throughout the year you might have to miss class occasionally.  In those cases please email me that you will be out and I will put your assignment in your Google Classroom period.  You may also need to access the online textbook to complete the assignment.  You will use the Clever link from the school website under Parents/Students.  Select the McGraw Hill icon and follow the link to the World History online text.  You will be able to read, or have it read to you in English and/or Spanish.  That will be your main resource.  

 

 

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