7 Questions With Andrea Runnels, The Social Studies Whisperer

Andrea Runnels is a former classroom teacher from metro Atlanta turned full-time Social Studies consultant. She spent 16 and a half years in the classroom, primarily teaching 5^th grade. She is ESOL and Gifted certified and also Montessori trained, which provides her with the experience and background to modify Social Studies for a wide range of learners. See her website at www.thesocialstudieswhisperer.com .

1. How and/or when did you get you hooked on history?

I have been fascinated by American History ever since I was little. I remember being obsessed with The Oregon Trail in elementary school. I credit my interest in history to my parents and grandmother, who shared family stories and artifacts with my siblings and I which made that personal connection. We also visited Washington D.C. multiple times since my aunt lived in the area. I take a really vested interest because I can trace my roots back to the Mayflower on both sides of my lineage. I also come from a long line of military veterans which fills my heart with patriotic pride. Samuel Rogers, one of my ancestors, proudly displays his Union blues in a picture that hangs in my parents’ house and both of my grandfathers served during WWII! I was born at Fort Benning during my dad’s time in the army.

2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?

History definitely plays a significant role in my personal life. I would say the majority of the books I have read in my life have been historical fiction. High school term paper? Gone with the Wind. Favorite movies? All historical fiction. I have visited many museums and historical spots in the south. As a parent I have tried to expose my kids to these experiences, too. Tried. Somehow I ended up with two math whizzes who barely tolerate my passion. For some odd reason, connecting with historical sights grounds me. When I lived in Snellville, I loved walking at the Yellow River Post Office Park. I would think about who may have visited that post office or wonder about the family that may have lived in the restored slave cabin.

3. How is/How was history a part of your professional life/career?

American History and writing have always been my favorite subjects to teach. I made it my mission to make instruction creative and engaging because I wanted students to have a mindset shift about history. I always integrated literacy into my content, too. I was super excited to serve on the Gwinnett County Social Studies Leadership Team last year because I already had the reputation as a “guru” at my local school. I began blogging and creating digital resources while still in the classroom. And along that journey I have built up a community of teachers through my Facebook group Social Studies Salute. After beginning live streaming, I watched my audience grow even more. I knew that teachers needed to hear what I have to say. I decided after a huge life epiphany that last year would be my final tour of duty in the classroom. Igniting a revolution to bring American History back is my calling and that vision spreads beyond four cinder block walls.

4. Why is studying/knowing history important?

To paraphrase the famous quote, “Those who don’t learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat it.” I think it is our duty as American citizens to understand the sacrifices and struggles that our forefathers have experienced to bring us to the way of life we are so fortunate to experience today. I feel that sometimes we take things for granted and complain about what I call “first world problems.” There are untold stories from the past that get left out of textbooks. Such regaling tales of overcoming adversity and perseverance and grit that students have no clue about. You can find inspiration for challenges you face by learning lessons from people in the past. Once on a Periscope broadcast, someone commented and said something about why history doesn’t matter and that we need to worry about what’s going in the news today. Well, his remark featured some far more colorful language. My response was that is exactly why we need to study history! Many of the issues involving race and civil rights are the remnants of decades of strife. They aren’t unique to 2016. I feel that if people really took a closer look at the struggle of Congressman John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. and the magnitude of what life was like in the 1960s their perspective would really change.

5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

WOW!! So hard to pick. I am definitely Team American History. I find the story of Pompeii really interesting but other than that I really favor my own country’s heritage. I LOVE learning about the Civil War and WWII and I don’t know if I could pick a favorite between those two. I think maybe it’s because I know my family members were a part of both. The movie Free State of Jones was such a powerful movie and just validated my mission. Sometimes I feel like I’m alone in spreading my love of American History (but obviously I’m not). I love learning about life on the home front during both time periods and getting to know the personal stories. The changing role of women during WWII and the gravity of the Tuskegee Airmen actually being in combat and the brilliance and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers just floor me.

6. What makes you the Social Studies Whisperer? How did that come about?

I guess dubbing myself “The Social Studies Whisperer” sure means I better bring the awesome. My business and website used to be Running Things with Runnels, which was a play on words. To me it was a state of mind to help people run their classrooms more effectively. To others, it was a source of bewilderment for why I did not have tennis shoes and fitness tips. Well, as I left the classroom and got real with myself this summer about my clever pun I decided I should rebrand and clarify. What does the Dog Whisperer do? He takes challenging situations with sometimes insurmountable odds and reframes them into something that works for everyone. Well, essentially I know the odds are stacked against American History instruction. If there is one thing I am blessed with it is the ability to take an idea and spark another one. I know I can help teachers and homeschooling families fit in history when they feel like they don’t have time. Integrating literacy makes that excuse invalid. I always started my lessons in unique and engaging ways that really hooked kids and I feel like with a few tweaks other teachers can do the same. It is hard work trying to save the world but I feel strongly in my mission. I want to take what may seem like impossible odds and turn that around into something that teachers look forward to teaching. When I talk about American History and my passion my face lights up and people respond. When I write about it, words flow almost endlessly. I don’t want to tell people how to run their classrooms or homeschooling family. I hope that by sharing what I have done or resources I have created or found that I will inspire others.

7. What are the challenges in social studies educations today and why is it important to meet and overcome those challenges?

I often refer to Social Studies as the redheaded stepchild of education. And as a redhead myself, I can say that. There is such a push for Reading and Math, history gets lost in the shuffle. STEM is such a key component of instruction in the digital age. Don’t even get me started on testing being a problem. Teachers are forced to fly through curriculum to make sure kids are prepared for a test. If there is a shortage of time, what subject gets dropped? You guessed it. Many teachers loathe teaching history because they think it’s boring due to their connotation from their own schooling. Well, they are right! Just memorizing dates and places on a map using dusty, drab textbooks and mundane workbooks or worksheets is terribly dull. I believe in connecting the past to the present and infusing your own interests and passions into instruction. I really didn’t exactly love teaching Science so I taught it primarily through literacy. Kids can learn a lot writing song parodies about the Scientific Method. When teachers put their own spin on lessons and show enthusiasm kids will be so much more connected to the content. I know many teachers struggle with the wide range of learners in a class. That’s why I create a lot of products to modify instruction for English Language Learners so they feel included. That’s why I believe in incorporating music, pop culture, and the arts. If we don’t overcome the challenges and problem solve to make sure students learn history, I fear for the next generation. American History should be the first thing taught not the last.

7 Questions with Tony DiSario, Social Studies Teacher on Special Assignment

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.

7 Questions with Heather MacKenzie, Henry County (GA) Social Studies Coordinator

Heather MacKenzie is an Instructional Coordinator for Social Studies and World Languages for Henry County Schools, the eighth largest school district in the state of Georgia. She came into this position two years ago after 14 years as a classroom teacher, where she had experience as a Special Ed, Elementary, and Middle School teacher. During her career she has enjoyed presenting at the local, state, and national levels, as well as serving as a consultant and curriculum writer for the Georgia Humanities Council.

1. How and/or when did you get you hooked on history?

A love of and respect for history has been a constant in my life. Born and raised in Philadelphia, my earliest memories are weekend outings to Valley Forge or field trips to Independence Hall. In high school I used to spend all day laying out and studying on the Princeton Battlefields. I even remember when the Liberty Bell was next to a bus stop! However, I would say I truly became hooked on history in high school. Like most educators, I was inspired by an educator. Mr. Tom Wilcox was my US History teacher at The Hun School of Princeton. That man knew everything! I had always enjoyed and even exceled in social studies and history courses throughout my years as a student, but in 11th grade Mr. Wilcox engaged us in a way no other teacher had: he made connections. I suddenly saw history as a living, breathing discipline as opposed to the study of dead men and dates. Now, this was before the age of pervasive technology use in the classroom. This was when textbooks were akin to gospel and that was how you learned everything about the past. Except in Wilcox’s class (He was the cool teacher who went by one name like Cher or Beyonce; No formalities needed). Mr. Wilcox would dive into rich lecture and discussion and presentations would be peppered with slide shows of his personal travels and anecdotes. He made whatever topic we were studying relevant to a group of teenagers. His expectations for us were unparalleled and we each worked hard to meet them because he empowered us to do so. Years later when I became a history teacher myself, his teaching was the meter stick to which I measured myself against. This year I will return to Hun for my 20th Reunion and can’t wait to thank Wilcox for “hooking” me on history.

2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?

My favorite thing to do in my personal time is to travel and over the years I have been fortunate enough to do quite a bit of it. The majority of my travels have been to historical sites or small towns that would bring history to life. While some places like Williamsburg, Virginia, have been maintained for tourism, the most fascinating places are those that time has seemingly forgotten. Places where I am studying the past but enjoying the present, like learning to two-step in Cody, Wyoming, or bringing the house down at karaoke in Frankfort, Kentucky (It was a mic drop moment). In addition, during my travels I have connected with other educators or lovers of history, and formed friendships that have lasted years. I’m truly grateful for how full my life has become as a result of those travels.

3. How is/How was history a part of your professional life/career?

I began my career as a Special Ed teacher where I addressed all content areas but specifically the focus was on reading and math. In 2004, I was accepted into my first of four Teaching American History Grant programs and it changed the trajectory of my career. Working with and learning from historians, professors, and peers provided a laser focus for me and guided me into positions where I was able to spend more time with social studies content. As a cheerleader for social studies education I have also worked closely with amazing organizations like the Georgia Council for the Social Studies (GCSS), Georgia Council on Economic Education (GCEE), and other national organizations, that promote history and social studies education and best instructional practices within the disciplines.

 

4. Why is studying/knowing history important?

I once read a comic/cartoon that said “Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it. Yet those who do study history are doomed to standby helplessly while everyone else repeats it.” I feel that History is not only the study of the past but the application of the skills that we want all citizens to possess: critical or analytical thinking and the ability to investigate multiple sources or perspectives before forming judgements. While the cartoon made me giggle with the idea of ‘it’s funny because it’s true,’ I know so many amazing individuals who do something with their knowledge—they advocate, organize, educate. That is what gives me hope for the continued growth of history education.

5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

Asking for a favorite aspect of history is like asking who your favorite student or child is! Based on my upbringing I am partial to colonial or revolutionary history. Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite president so I am a bit obsessed with history of the progressive era and his global reach. Essentially, I tend to shift my preference based on whatever I am reading or studying at the time but if I had to select one aspect, I would say that I am captivated by the history of pop-culture and how music, films, spirts, etc., have influenced American culture. I think this aspect of history is of particular fascination to me because of its fluidity. It is ever changing and it has always been a great way to connect with others.

 

6. What are some high points and low points of being a district social studies coordinator?

The high points of this position occur any time that I have the opportunity to interact with teachers. I have the pleasure of serving teachers in Henry County but my role as a district coordinator has afforded me the opportunity to work with teachers from around the state and country. I am inspired by them daily and through my dealings with them, am consistently reminded of the great responsibility of this role and how important it is for me to be their voice. The low points of being a district coordinator is that I often miss the students!

7. What trends or changes are happening in social studies education now?

I know that the saying goes, “The only thing is life you can count on is change” and feel confident that it must have been an educator who first coined the phrase. There are a number of things happening in education both at the state and national level but the trend I have seen pop-up the most is the idea of 21st Century Learning. This broad umbrella covers a number of initiatives including personalized learning, project-based learning, tech-enabled instruction, STEM, and so on. At the core of 21st Century Learning is the idea that we are charged with preparing students for jobs that have not yet been created. However, this also refers to preparing students to assume roles as citizens in a global community and that is where social studies education can be of the most support. This is daunting but also exciting because I immediately link it back to the study of history. This is not the first time that we have seen such seismic shifts in mindset or practice and my belief is that as long as we continue to build up great citizens and leaders, we will prepare our kids for whatever they choose to do after graduation.