John C. Bunin

Albemarle High School
Charlottesville, VA

A social studies teacher for 19 years, John Bunin believes that strong social studies instruction values voice and choice, utilizes inquiry based questioning as the framework for evaluating and appreciating different perspectives and interpretations, integrates emerging technologies to prepare students for the world in which they will work and live, and defies ability ceilings by utilizing differentiation strategies that enable all students to develop critical thinking skills. Bunin strives to integrate these concepts and ideals into his every day teaching to ensure that his students leave high school with a sense of place, identity, empathy, and purpose.

At the NCSS National Convention in D.C., held in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Bunin participated in the Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Panel: How the Outstanding Teachers of the Year Address Social Studies Education in Age Appropriate Ways and Make a Difference in the Classroom. The panel provided an opportunity for those outstanding educators to share how they bring their instruction to the next level and engage students in meaningful learning. In addition, Bunin also presented  on the implementation of his team's 2015 Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy project " Putting Social Studies in its Place: Using GIS to Enhance the Social Studies Classroom."