• About Mr. Mikel Toresdahl...

    Position: Dual Enrollment and AP World History Teacher

    Email: Mr. Mikel Toresdahl

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    Welcome!

    Hello and welcome to Mr. Toresdahl's class! 

    This course covers world history and geography from early civilization to the present. Students will read
    germane literary works and other primary source materials. Strong writing and research skills are
    necessary to be successful in this class. Students will engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and individual and group multi-skill projects. This course prepares the students to take the AP World History
    exam.

    My Education and Professional Background

    I am an Arizona native and a product of the Chandler Unified School District. I attended Goodman Elementary, Andersen Elementary, Andersen Jr. High, and Chandler High School. After graduating from Chandler High, I attended Arizona State University for Secondary Education and American Military University for my Master's degree in American History. 

    My Educational Philosophy

    I believe that as an AP World History teacher working with advanced students, I view education as a dynamic and collaborative journey in which students are not merely passive recipients of information, but active constructors of knowledge. My philosophy centers on cultivating historical thinking, fostering global awareness, and empowering students to engage with the past in ways that inform their understanding of the present and future.

    At the core of my classroom is the belief that history is not a fixed narrative but a complex tapestry of perspectives, causes, and consequences. I aim to develop in students a historian’s mindset—one that embraces inquiry, values evidence, and questions assumptions. Through rigorous engagement with primary and secondary sources, students learn to craft nuanced arguments, recognize patterns across time and space, and analyze the forces that have shaped human societies.

    Teaching advanced learners demands a curriculum that challenges while inspiring curiosity. I design my instruction to push students beyond rote memorization toward higher-order thinking—synthesis, evaluation, and comparative analysis. I encourage intellectual risk-taking, where students feel safe to test ideas, revise interpretations, and grapple with ambiguity. In doing so, they not only prepare for the AP exam but also grow as independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

    I believe in the power of historical study to build empathy and global competence. In a world increasingly interconnected yet divided, understanding the roots of civilizations, ideologies, conflicts, and movements equips students with the perspective needed to become thoughtful global citizens. My classroom is inclusive and reflective, where diverse voices and experiences are honored and explored.

    Ultimately, my goal is to create a rigorous yet supportive environment where advanced students are inspired to see history not as a list of dates and names, but as a vital tool for understanding complexity, challenging narratives, and shaping a better future.

    The Choice is Yours! Why Choose Arizona College Prep High School?

    Our area in the East Valley offers you many choices for your child's education. Arizona College Prep High School has many valuable aspects to offer you and your child as they transition from high school to college. But most of all, ACPHS employs caring, highly qualified staff who truly care for your children, both academically and personally. We hope that you will become a part of the ACPHS family!

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