Hi! My name is Mr. Vanderwater and I am going to be your eighth grade Civics and Economics teacher! My wife, Mrs. Vanderwater, is also a teacher. She teaches K-4 Special Education at Frederick Douglass this year, be sure to say hello if you see her! This is my 11th year as a teacher. I love social studies and all the exploring, learning, and fun we get to have!

     I grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Pittsburgh. I have two boys, Tanner and Nolan. Tanner is four and loves to play sports and watch Sonic. My son Nolan is one year old and is (almost) always happy and is running around everywhere! I also have a miniature Dachshund named Bazinga who probably has more energy than every student in the school. I believe staying active is very important and have always enjoyed extracurricular activities. I played defensive back and punt returner at Saint Vincent College and have been in the army for 14 years, including one tour in Afghanistan.            

     I graduated from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with a degree in history and love to teach Social Studies! I could teach it all day! Our great country and the state of Virginia both hold such interesting history and I can’t wait to help you learn all about it! I know I am excited and I hope you are as well! I can’t wait to spend the next year learning with each of you!