With Tim Walz‘s recent selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in his life and career. People are particularly curious about his background as an educator. One of the key questions being —what subject did Walz teach?
Here is everything to know about Tim Walz’s teaching history.
What subject did Tim Walz teach?
Before venturing into politics, Tim Walz was a high school social studies teacher and football coach.
He taught social studies and geography at Mankato West High School in Minnesota. During his tenure, he seemingly played a key role in leading the football team to its first state championship. Early in his career, Walz also taught English and American history at a high school in China.
Tim Walz moved from teaching to politics in 2006, winning a U.S. House seat in a district that had long been Republican. After serving several terms in Congress, he pursued the governor’s office. He is currently serving his second term as Minnesota’s governor.
Where did Tim Walz teach?
Tim Walz began his teaching career in Alliance, Nebraska, before moving to Mankato, Minnesota, where he taught social studies and geography at the high school level.
In 1989, after graduating college, Walz spent a year in China, teaching English at Foshan No. 1 High School through a Harvard-affiliated program. This experience recently became a hot topic on Weibo, where Chinese social media users have shared their reflections on Walz’s unique background. Walz has described his time in China as one of his most rewarding experiences. Upon his return to the U.S., Walz remarked to a local newspaper that China’s potential was limitless. He said, “They are such kind, generous, capable people.” (via BBC)
Additionally, Walz’s global teaching experience is seen as a valuable asset in fostering cross-cultural understanding.