1. Tell us about yourself. What’s your background?

I grew up in northwestern New Jersey – as I like to refer to it – “rural suburbia” near Lake Hopatcong – the largest lake in the state. The grandson of German immigrants, and the son of a social studies teacher – I developed a passion for history at an early age. After attending college for three years – I decided that Colorado was calling me. Never having been west of Chicago, Colorado Springs in 1980 was a revelation. I completed my undergraduate degree in education from the University of Colorado -- Colorado Springs, I began teaching at a junior high and eventually settled at my current school. I’ve been teaching at William J. Palmer High School since 1989 – and since 1992 as part of the International Baccalaureate Programme. I enjoy teaching the senior level course, “History of the Americas” as it has broadened my own knowledge of not only US History, but specifically the histories of Canada and Mexico. Additionally, I have been, along with several other teachers, a co-sponsor of our school’s Gay-Straight Alliance for many, many years; one of the best and most important things I’ve done as a teacher.  

2. How did you first get involved with NCSS? How have you been involved since?

Unfortunately, I know that early in my career I was not very involved with NCSS. I would become a member for a year or two, but then let my membership lapse. In 2001 I and several others who had worked on a grant developing social studies assessments, were able to present our work to the 2001 NCSS annual conference in Washington D.C. There I was blown away by the experiences of thousands of social studies educators in one place. I went to sessions that provided new insights into how to teach with documents, I met dozens of like-minded educators, I listened to Angelina Jolie and Ken Burns address packed audiences! I also met the person who would prove to be my mentor, 2006 NCSS President Peggy Altoff. Peggy would soon join me in Colorado Springs, becoming my district’s K-12 social studies supervisor. Peggy encouraged me to stay involved in NCSS and I began to present at conferences; and soon found the Canada Community which provided me a deeper understanding of just how wide-ranging the NCSS community is. Serving in the House of Delegates representing the Canada Community– Peggy suggested that I run for the HOD steering committee in 2008. I was elected, served as steering committee chair in 2010 and began my work on the board. While on the board I was fortunate to work with several colleagues as the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society was being organized and helped to finalize the work. I was elected and served on the board in 2013-16 and was elected vice-president in 2019. Thanks to Peggy Altoff I believe that it is rare to have a school district (Colorado Springs District 11) that can claim two NCSS presidents!

3. You’ve been a social studies educator since the 1980s. What advice would you give to new social studies educators?

1. Social studies educators today find themselves increasingly in the public’s eye. New educators should not feel as if they had entered the wrong profession. Your choice to enter the field was valid and will pay off, I promise.
2. Social studies educators should seek out and work with an experienced mentor - and they don't have to be a social studies educator. One of my closest colleagues is an English teacher and we collaborated on an interdisciplinary unit – one we presented at an NCSS conference! 
3. Become involved with both NCSS and your state or local social studies council. There you will find a multitude of resources and contacts. 
4. If you want to become a professional – membership in professional organizations is an important part of that development. 

4. Could you explain the 101st NCSS Annual Conference’s theme, “Solidarity in Social Studies?” 

In 1982, while a university student, I had the good fortune to meet a number of young Polish students who were traveling across the US bringing awareness to the Solidiarnosc (Solidarity) movement in Poland that was organizing resistance to the Communist regime. I was given a Solidarnosc button that I still treasure, and it has remained an inspiration all these years. For the 101st NCSS Annual Conference I could think of no better theme than to remind social studies educators that we are stronger together – standing in solidarity with each other, our students and our content. In these difficult times for social studies educators, they need to know that NCSS and their local councils are supporting their efforts in the classroom. The opportunity to meet once again – in person and in solidarity will be the hallmark of the 101st Annual Conference. 

5. What do you hope to accomplish during your presidency?

The time of any NCSS president is a short one and for as much as one would like to accomplish – that time is fleeting. Given the past challenges of the last 18 months and the pandemic, and the current climate of public engagement regarding what is or is not taught in our schools; I feel that it is important that NCSS continue to stand in support of educators, and to inform the public and pundits alike, what good social studies education looks like. My role is to be a vocal supporter of the classroom professionals, the supervisors and administrators, and the pre-service students who are the next generation of social studies professionals. To that end as well, NCSS will embark on a review of our strategic plan and continue to update it moving forward. 

6. Any final remarks for our readers?

I look forward to seeing many of you this November in Minneapolis for the 101st NCSS Annual Conference! The good people of the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies are eager to welcome everyone. We feel that the opportunity to visit such a vibrant metropolitan center – and one that has been in the news for over a year – can show the solidarity with our educators and students there. Additionally, along with our partners the National Geographic Alliance and the American Bar Association – I am confident that the power of social studies educators working together will shine brightly.