Anthony “Tony” DiSario, M. Ed., graduated from the
University of Florida with professional specializations in Elementary Education
and American History. With the exception of three years teaching at Georgia
State University, Mr. DiSario has spent the better part of twenty years
providing engaging learning opportunities for elementary students. Currently,
Mr. DiSario supports Elementary Social Studies instruction in the twenty-eight
elementary schools in Henry County, Georgia as the Elementary Social Studies
Teacher on Special Assignment. When not teaching, Mr. DiSario coaches wrestling
and enjoys watching his son and daughter compete in athletics. Mr. DiSario can
be seen traveling from school-to-school on his deep orange, Harley Davidson
Road King CVO, lovingly nicknamed, “Betsy.”
1. How
and/or when did you get you hooked on history?
I took two courses in high school that really hooked me on
history. The first was called POD – Problems of Democracy. I had a really
engaging teacher who was great at telling stories and at pointing out the
difference between myths and probable facts. Then, I took one of the most
incredible courses in my career. It was simply titled, Humanities. Three
teachers taught three classes of kids at the same time in a large room. One
teacher was a history teacher, one a Language Arts teacher and the third was an
Art teacher. Between the three of them, we looked at the multi-faceted
components of our history. It was a truly integrated course, the likes of which
I have never seen again.
2. What role
does history play or has it played in your personal life?
This question would require a whole book of my personal
history to answer fully. Instead, I’ll respond in unrelated bullets:
- I keep ordinary documents. Movie stubs. Check stubs. Love notes from 5th grade.
- I can argue with people on Facebook.
- I don’t freak out when I watch the news. Historians can always point to a previous time that was worse.
- I am cynical. I want to see the evidence before I take a side or agree with an opinion.
- I rarely believe in conspiracy theories.
3. How
is/How was history a part of your professional life/career?
I “Do History” every single day. I am charged with finding
new and better ways to help learners to seek out their own answers to their own
questions about history.
4. Why is
studying/knowing history important?
Studying and knowing history leads to freedom. Personal
historical “perspectives” are spewed in all sorts of media. Knowing history
gives the historian the ability to question those, typically baseless,
perspectives. Understanding history gives one the power to seek the truth. To
me, the ability to question and seek the truth define freedom.
5. What is
your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
The part when the aliens came and the President of the
United States and a scientist saved the world. I guess, knowing that’s why we
celebrate Independence Day, is my favorite part.
6. What
does your job as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) entail?
Specifically, my job is to assist the Social Studies
Coordinator in supporting our twenty-eight elementary schools in Social Studies
instruction. The focus of my daily work is on professional development, but I
deal with all areas related to Social Studies in the elementary schools
including, materials, technology, and instructional design.
7. What are some high points and low points of
being a social studies TOSA?
I love my job. I literally get to work with history every
single day. I get to learn more everyday about history education and I get to
do my favorite thing in the world – help other people. I love traveling to see
and learn new instructional strategies and to hear new perspectives on history.
I love working on new materials and strategies that will excite teachers and
their students about history. Unfortunately, the tradeoff is that I don’t get
to have my own students any longer. Not hearing, “Mr. D.! Mr. D.!” in the
hallways hurts my heart.
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