The History Doctor

Forrestdale Middle School, Rumson, NJ (1988-2003), teacher of Social Studies and French Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Instructor of Social Studies, 2003-2014 Adjunct Instructor of American History, Syracuse University, 2008-2012 Teacher of French, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School 2008-2009, 2011-2012

I create active engagement which is coupled with academic rigor. We must first open the emotional portal, so that students can see the drama and direct relevance of the subject to their lives. Far too many students (and teachers!) perceive school as drudgery. Just something to get through. My lesson plans create students having experiences DOING history. My US history lesson plans create skills and knowledge, but also inspire the desire to learn, and then there will be no limit on what youngsters can do. Too many students see their grades as a product that they are buying with the coin of their own effort. They strive to be minimalists. My teaching approach is to inject fascinating questions, issues and problems in society so that students forget about being effort misers and hurl themselves at the subject with a smile on their face.I teach with TLS: love of teaching, love of learning and love of children. Give one a try!

Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teacher, Scholarship Awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1990, The Political Philosophy of the UN Constitution Scholarship Awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1996, Federalists and Antifederalists Rumson, NJ School District Teacher of the Year, 1997; Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Teacher of the Year, 2010; the Philip Merrill Award at the University of Maryland, 2012;

B.A., Franklin and Marshall College, Government and French, 1985 M.A.T., Social Studies Methods and Practice, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1988

I speak fluent French which I am certified to teach. I also play blues harmonica. I have a website with History Blogs for teachers and also a Blog for Teachers. Drop by and get History healthy! www.historydr.com