Project-based learning has been experiencing a bit of a spotlight for the last few years. Heck, even Bill Gates put a PBL-praising book on his 2019 recommended book list. But when you... Read More

Of course, we want to create positive school culture when we plan Homecoming or any Spirit Week. However, many popular dress-up themes that seem benign can have the opposite effect... Read More

The ability to assess news media effectively is perhaps THE most important 21st century critical thinking skill there is, especially since media now infiltrates all aspects of our lives and can... Read More

Historical art and photographs are some of my favorite primary sources to use while teaching US History, in part because there is an endless supply of rich, engaging, layered sources... Read More

Whether it is to kick off your Civics course, build up to Election Day, or deliver as a stand-alone exercise, “political parties and their different ideologies” is a must-cover topic... Read More

It really can be argued that Government and Civics is one of the most essential classes students can take during their K-12 experience.  That’s because a huge reason behind our... Read More

Political cartoons are a must if you’re teaching Civics, but also for any US History or Current Issues class.  They are accessible to lower-level readers and ELL students yet still challenge higher-level... Read More

One of my favorite classes to teach has been Contemporary Global Issues. That’s because it shows students how classic subjects like social studies and science are actually inseparable. I’d describe the... Read More

Learning the 50 states and all 5 of the Great Lakes is a rite of passage for any American elementary student, and usually any middle school student, too. But then... Read More

Poetry is a great way to explore the sentiments and issues of a particular era, but as a history teacher it can be hard to know where to start! Not... Read More