Authentic Socials

I taught high school Social Studies for twenty years and now teach Social Studies Methods in a Bachelor of Education program. I specialize in 20th century world history, politics and government, Canadian history, and human geography. I have taught in the International Baccalaureate Program and am an examiner for the IBO.

My most successful lessons and assessments tend to share one fundamental thing in common -- they feel authentic and relevant to the students. In History class, this involves oral history projects, planning the Remembrance Day ceremony, and framing our studies of content around historical thinking concepts. In Politics and Government, it involves volunteering on election campaigns, analyzing campaign strategies, debating the issues, and participating in simulations of the political process. I always hope that while the small details of the content may fade over time, the skills and sense of efficacy will remain.

I hold a BA with a double major in History and Political Science (UBC), a BEd in Social Studies Education (UBC), and an MEd in Social Studies Education (UBC) with special areas of interest in historical thinking and political education.

I have written curriculum documents and lesson aids for my provincial Ministry of Education and for several Canadian publishers and organizations.