TEACHING, COURSES & IDEAS
I share ideas and free resources from 20 years of teaching history, government, and journalism.
A PLACE TO BEGIN
Edutopia01
Apr 29, 2026
A classroom teacher’s case for fewer screens and more attention to the learning happening in front of us.
Discussed by educators on LinkedInRead the storyThe Atlantic02
Sep 17, 2014
How superhero comics can open a window onto World War II and make history more engaging.
Read the storyEdutopia03
Oct 8, 2026
Five lessons for making AP Government engaging, with room for curiosity and learning beyond the exam.
Read the story
MY FREE BOOK · SELECTED ESSAYS
Helping Students Think for Themselves
44 essays from my teaching and reporting—on writing, student voice, assessment, and the choices that shape our classrooms. Lessons I have learned, mistakes I have made, and ideas I have reconsidered.
Read online or download a copy. Free, with no sign-up required. Get optional email updates.
COURSES & CLASSROOM PRACTICE · 2026–2027
What are we reading? What happens in class? What is tonight’s homework? Explore the daily plans, questions, and materials behind my U.S. History and AP Government courses—and the student editors who lead our newsroom.
New learning starts with people, print, and conversation. The public digital activities here reinforce what students already know.
For teachers: find an AI-ified lesson by course →
Freely shared · Good teaching is always a work in progress. I keep reflecting, revising, and updating these courses as I teach and learn from my students.
Whose story? Whose choices? Explore founding promises, Hamilton, and the struggle over freedom.
02 · CURRENT COURSETest constitutional arguments, compare Supreme Court cases, and practice civic reasoning.
03 · STUDENT-LED NEWSROOMThe student editors lead. I advise. Explore my goals, The Gator and GNN, and newsroom honors.
04 · EARLIER & PERIODIC COURSESExplore past plans, Latin American History, Philosophy of Government, and American Judaism and Popular Culture.
THE COLLECTION
Newest publication dates first. Undated stories appear after dated stories.
Edutopia
Oct 8, 2026
Five lessons for making AP Government engaging, with room for curiosity and learning beyond the exam.
Medium
Sep 7, 2026
Why I am protecting students’ independent thinking through in-class writing and conversations about their work.
Medium
Jul 27, 2026
A call for private schools to take student journalism and meaningful student voice seriously.
ABOUT DAVID
History, government, and journalism teacher at Brimmer and May. Adviser to The Gator.
LET’S CONNECT
I welcome classroom questions and invitations that fit my teaching schedule. No speaking or consulting fees. Availability and travel details.
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