Alan's Biography
I am a retired Philadelphia public school social studies teacher who ended his career with a period as an administrator, serving at the end of my active career as principal at my alma mater, George Washington High School. I am also an attorney which has given me a unique perspective on the world of education. I travel extensively, enjoying experiencing diverse cultures and meeting with friends old and new.
Future of Social Studies in Pennsylvania
These are unusual times for social studies educators in Pennsylvania. The combination of continued high stakes testing and budget slashing have marginalized social studies in many areas of our Commonwealth even as more and more research suggests that a vigorous social studies curriculum helps create the safe and caring school climate that improves all learning, including test scores.
I have worked very hard to make social studies come alive in Pennsylvania since first connecting with PCSS while teaching in the Philadelphia schools and later when I started coming regularly to PCSS events. I have worked in many ways to support regional and statewide social studies conferences.
I know we can make PCSS an even more respected voice for social studies educators in Pennsylvania.