social studies conneCTion

Lauren Francese, Social Studies Department Chair in Westport Public Schools and standards project leader, discusses the importance of historical contextualization to understand the actions and thoughts of individuals in the past.

Kasey Dunn, Teaching and Learning Specialist at Cooperative Area Services and CT Social Studies standards project leader, joins us this week to discuss her transition from the classroom to affecting educational reform at the district level and beyond.

Harman Singh, Education Director of the Sikh Coalition, joins our show to explain the origins and mission of the Sikh Coalition. With the rise of bullying cases of students within the Sikh community, Harman explains the efforts that the Sikh Coalition has put into action for Sikhism to be recognized and taught in schools with advocacy and amply prepared tools and resources for educators.

Stefanie Wager, past president of the National Council for the Social Studies, provides meaningful insight on approaching inquiry in the classroom. Stefanie works to support teachers by developing strategic practices to apply inquiry skills for students to engage with primary sources and ultimately become more engaged as citizens.

Federico Fiondella, high school teacher & adjunct professor at Southern CT State University, joins us to provide insight on teaching student teachers and current high school students in today's age. Federico explains the importance of engaging in the community to unveil historical connections that students and staff have in their lives and how this can encourage students to dig into the s...

Kathy Swan, project director and lead writer of the C3 Framework, joins us to promote the power of inquiry in social studies education. Dr. Swan explains how inquiry aids students by skillfully navigating historical concepts and adeptly facilitating civic engagement by questioning the world around them.

Tom Broderick, middle school social studies teacher & housing abundance advocate, joins us on our podcast to discuss education from academic and socioeconomic perspectives. Tom's passion for equity in CT's educational system is evident through his love for civic engagement and community outreach for students to have a more fulfilling school experience.

Dennis Culliton, the founder and Executive Director of the Witness Stones Project, provides a fascinating insight into how school districts across Connecticut embark on a journey into our state's dark past. Dennis's work in the Witness Stones Project not only commemorates the lives of those who endured enslavement but works to honor those of the past and help students and educators appre...

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Stern, historian, writer, and history education consultant, digs into the purpose of standards in education and their significance in assuring moderate teaching and learning of social studies content. Dr. Stern elucidates apparent conflict in teaching hard history and how to resolve it for students to have a more well-rounded, centered view of historical interpretations...

Rebecca Taber, Director of CT History Day, speaks about her journey within the world of museum studies and how it lead her to become a part of an exhilarating historical experience for students in social studies. Listen to Rebecca speak on the origin of CT History Day, how to get students and educators involved, and its impact on classrooms across the state!

Adrian Solis, an Abbott Technical High School teacher, explains his experience working in the beginning stages of the African American/Black & Puerto Rican/Latino Elective Course. Adrian also describes the numerous setbacks he encountered on this journey and how he overcame them with the support of personal and historical connections and student encouragement.

In this episode, Dr. John Tully of Central CT State University joins our show to elaborate on our part as educators and advocates of social studies. From building the skill of inquiry to the selection of sources teachers provide, Dr. Tully emphasizes the significance of viewing social studies through multiple lenses for students to become better citizens in the society they hope to change.

Dr. Benjamin Foster speaks about the importance of teaching culturally-centered history. As one of the initiators of the African American/Black & Puerto Rican/Latino course, Dr. Foster explains the successes and roadblocks leading up to its current placement in education. He also defines the course's purpose: to inform CT youth of the unknown perspectives of minorities throughout history.

In this episode, Social Studies ConneCTion brings music to our listeners! Eric Finland dazzles us with the history of instruments and music in the United States--specifically, African-American/Black music originating in the countries of Africa. Eric dives into his musical background leading him to become the Creative Director of the "Blues and Beyond" program across CT. 

Samantha Cholewa Tondreau, Director of Curriculum & Instruction for The Mohegan Tribe, guides us into a reflective mindset on how the education system in Connecticut teaches Native American history. To debunk the assumption of a shared narrative, Samantha recommends educators acquire and utilize resources from locally-based Tribes to motivate inquiry-based thinking for lessons in local history...

Daisha Brabham, educator, public historian, and curriculum writer, enlightens us about engaging students and teachers in the conversation of race, community-building, and student-centered learning. Daisha's message includes the hope for teachers to focus more on what students can bring to the table and how they can guide students to use their strengths for local activism and civic engagement.

In this episode, Allison Norrie, President of the Association for the Study of CT History (ASCH) and Teacher at Fairfield Warde High School, explains her experience working on the CT Social Studies Standards and how it has affected her perspective of teaching and learning history. Norrie describes the significance of this trailblazing document by defining its position in education today for classr...

In this episode, Dr. David Bosso, teacher and current President of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council , digs into the foundation of purposeful teaching. He astounds us by defining the art of classroom instruction from the perspective of teacher advocacy and how it sets an example for students to take action and pursue the change they yearn to see.

Dr. Carmen Coury, Associate Professor of History and the Director of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Southern CT State University, captivates us with her informative and intriguing philosophy on Latin American History and its place in our education system. Dr. Coury advises educators on possible approaches to teaching this crucial part of history and the importance of grasping and emphasiz...

Jennifer Heikkila Díaz (or JHD), K-12 public school teacher, school administrator, educator coach, and currently the CT Council for the Social Studies Professional Learning Coordinator, describes their passion for culturally sustaining classrooms and school communities. Jennifer amplifies the importance of teacher-student relationships by focusing more on the backgrounds of students to formulate v...

In this episode, Christine Pittsley, the Special Projects Director for the Connecticut State Library, unveils the magic of anthropological fieldwork and its connection to social studies. As a leader in the field of research, Christine explains the benefits of her award-winning program "Digging Into History" and how it positively affected student perspectives of history.  Visit https://ct...

Mary Skelly, a University Supervisor at Central & Southern CT State University, shares her inspirational journey in the educational field of Social Studies. In this episode, Mary shares crucial advice for those considering the teaching path and the inevitable obstacles that come with it. Her roles as a teacher, a key CCSS Board Member, and now University Supervisor helped foster a vision for t...

Social Studies, Music & Martin Scorsese?! WELCOME TO SEASON 2!  In the first episode of our second season, we invited Bill Carbone, Executive Director of TeachRock.org, to speak about his experience with music and how it affected his relationship with Social Studies. Carbone explains the importance of music in education and how it keeps students engaged in Social Studies & other school sub...

In this special episode, Larissa Babij, a former student of Steve Armstrong, tells her unique experience during the war in Ukraine and details her crucial role in aiding Ukrainian citizens in a time of turmoil and bloodshed. As she plans to return to the country soon, she describes some possible outcomes for Ukraine's future and how we can support Ukrainians from our end of the world. Further...

In this episode, Dr. Randa Elbih emphasizes the significance of introducing the concept of multiple perspectives from the elementary level of education. Based on her research, Dr. Elbih utilizes her knowledge to expound on the conversation of cultural inclusivity by explaining how teachers can approach the idea of embracing unique stories with their students to build relationships.