Many classes will state a learning goal of passing the AP Test in US Government and Politics. Of course you want to pass the AP Test in Government in Politics. More importanly, the goal of this class is that students will feel like they have an intellectual command of the foundations of American democracy. My goal is that students will draw from things they learn in this class for every political or civic debate they engage in over the course of their lives.

Former Deputy Director of the historic home of President Ronald Reagan where I worked with people first-hand who were speechwriters, aides and senior advisors to President Ronald Reagan. 2002 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor of science degree in political science and history, with an emphasis on American history. Completed an Independent Study in the Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers as my capstone project as a political science major at Indiana Wesleyan University under the tutelage of Dr. David Bartley, Ph.D. 1989, Ball State University. Former Intercollegiate Studies Institute Honors Fellow. Trained by top experts in communications and speechwriting on the power of persuasion, including image coaches and communications consultants to presidential candidates. Author of the book Backdoor to the White House. Lifelong student of history. 

We live in a big and fascinating world and one of my goals with my classes is to help kids develop an interest and appreciation for the world around them and different cultures. My classes draw from my own experiences as a world traveler. I've visited and lived abroad in twenty-two countries. I also have several years of experience in working with students as a teacher and mentor and look forward to having the opportunity to invest in the life of your learner. I love teaching but more than anything I love investing in the lives of young people and bringing them along on a journey.

Homework Offered
Following sessions 4, 7 and 13 students will be asked to submit assignements to choose they are graping the content of this course.  Students will be able to choose from a variety of formats for submission. They can submit a paper, prepare a presentation using a presentation tool, create a video, share prepared remarks in class, or engage the instructor in Q&A during a live session. Students can opt out of this assignment with parent approval.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Instructor will provide feedback to students on each assignment at the end of sessions 4, 7, and 13.
Grades Offered

Primary source material for this class is readily available online and I will provide links to source material each week along with class. Students will also have access to my weekly Nearpod slides, which are great for review of material presented in class but also contain additiaonal information not included in class. 

In preparing for this class, I am using the following materials. None of these are required for this class, but any would be excellent for students to have and study alongside this class.

The Constitution of the United States, Declaration of Independence & Other Founding Documents from Lawyers Reference Guide

The History, Philosophy and Structure of the American Constitution, Douglas W. Kmiec and Stephen B Presser

American History, Combined Edition: 1492 - Present by Thomas S. Kidd

Federalist Papers by Hamilton, Madison and Jay

The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates by Ralph Ketcham

"Have To" History: Landmark Supreme Court Cases: Stuff You Don't Really Want To Know (But For Some Reason Have To) About The Most Important Cases In Supreme Court History by Dallas Koehn 

Citizen King, An American Experience Documentary by PBS

Princeton Review AP U.S. Government & Politics Premium Prep, 2022: 6 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation) by the Priceton Review