"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States... So help me God." The first time these words were spoken was during George Washington's First Inaugural whereby [...]
The National Council for Social Studies had its 96th annual conference this past week in Washington, DC. Like the NEA’s Representative Assembly, the assembly is held in the nation’s capital during election years. It marked my first in attendance. Being from central Pennsylvania, I’m fortunate enough to be able to drive to the District of [...]
Dear Former Students, I have started this letter a thousand times in my head in the last week. It’s hard to get past the first line: I fear I may have failed you as your Civics teacher. You have probably known me for many years as the one person in your life with unfailing trust [...]
June 6, 1944, D-Day, would be one that forever changed the world. For months, Americans, British, Australian, Canadian, French, and other Allied Powers trained for months when they would invade the Western Front and help turn that Nazi Germans back. The risks, sacrifices, and dividends were beyond measure. So is trying to put to words what it's like [...]
Last week I shared "10 Reasons Why Teachers Should Host Political Debates." It was a reflection piece on a State Senate debate I helped plan, coordinate, and orchestrate. Since then I've received several letters of thanks and strangers in the community approaching me in appreciation. Most importantly, students (and their parents) have expressed the most [...]