social studies conneCTion

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 appreciate localized history coming to life.

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.