David Bacome

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is David Bacome and I teach Civics at Discovery Intermediate in Kissimmee, FL. I have been a teacher for 15 years; before that I was in the insurance and management fields. I am originally from rural central Michigan and I moved to Florida in 2014. I have a passion for sports and history, and that has served me well at Discovery, where I am also the athletic director and I have coached multiple sports. I have a management degree from Northwood University and my history/political science teaching degree is from Saginaw Valley State University. My hobbies are reading, day-trips, history shows, Jeopardy on TV and going to the gym. I enjoy meeting people and I thoroughly enjoy my contact with students and teaching them new knowledge and skills. I have been married to my wife for almost 35 years and we have a son and a daughter along with three grandkids. My wife and daughter are also teachers.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Judicial Branch I

Lesson:  Judicial Branch II

Year Two

Lesson: Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Katelyn Beach

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Katelyn Beach. I am a second grade Dual Language teacher and East Lake Elementary in Osceola County, FL. My dad was in the military, so we moved around quite a bit. I have lived in 5 states (Delaware, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida). I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. After moving to Florida, I furthered my education with two Master's Degrees rom American College of Education (M. ED in literacy and M. ED in Curriculum and Instruction). Since I spent a lot of my life in the Northeast, I have always been immersed in history and have always had a passion for learning about the past so that we can have a better future.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  The U.S. Constitution

Lesson:  The U.S. Constitution: Perspectives

Year Two

Lesson: Living History: St. Augustine

Lesson: Ponce de Leon: Layered Inquiry

Jessica Berget

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Jessica Berget is a self-contained autism teacher at Narcoossee Middle School where she teaches grades 6 through 8 in all subject areas. Jessica earned her Master of Education in Special Education and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and certificate of autism from the University of Central Florida. She spent the first three years of her teaching career at the elementary level in a self-contained autism class and the last four years at Narcoossee Middle School. She currently leads the Special Olympics program at Narcoossee Middle. Jessica continues to strive to go above and beyond to best serve her students, recently earning state certifications for all middle grades’ general education subject areas. 

Kathryn Berry

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Kathryn Berry teaches 7th grade US History at Kissimmee Middle School in Kissimmee Florida. Originally from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, she graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Sociology and a BA in Advertising/Public Relations. Kathryn became a teacher to share her passion for life-long learning and make a difference in young people's lives. She is also advisor for Yearbook and Drama Club and participates in school Positive Behavior Initiative Support initiatives. Kathryn believes Social Studies education is critical to develop good citizenship and critical thinking skills. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Boston Massacre

Year Two

Lesson: Digital Storytelling: Dred Scott

Resource: Dred Scott Case Summary

Resource: Dred Scot Summary

Resource: Dred Scott Transcription Excerpts

Resource: Digital Story Storyboard  Template

Resource: Digital Stroytelling Rubric

Amanda Brown

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Amanda Brown is a Literacy Coach at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), as well as a Master's in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education. Mandi entered the field of education in 2004. Over the years, she has taught both elementary and middle school levels, including Fourth Grade, Reading, Language Arts, World History, and Civics. During her free time, Mandi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and all things Disney. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Legislative Branch: Fedceral versus State

Lesson:  Legislative Branch: Law-Makers

Morghan Cameron

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Morghan Cameron and I am a Civics Teacher for the School District of Osceola County, Florida. I am a graduate of Florida State University (’05) and am in my 16^th year of teaching. My certifications are in 6-12 Social Science Education and Gifted Education. I am our school’s Social Studies Department Head, was First Year Teacher of the Year in 2005-06, Teacher of the Year in 2014-2015, and have been nominated Teacher of the Year again in 2020-2021. Additionally, I am the Odyssey of the Mind coach for my school and help students expand their creative horizons. In the past, I have held the positions of Soccer Coach, Athletic Director, and Saturday School Coordinator. I absolutely love my career and am a firm believer that all students can learn and will learn from the adults in their life they trust and know believe in them, even when they struggle to believe in themselves.

Marylee Chavez

Lead K-8 Cohort

I just finished my 31st year of teaching at the elementary school level.  I am a grandma of 10 beautiful, unique grandchildren!  I love to swim, crochet, read and make delicious meals for my large family.  I am bilingual and have my Master's in bilingual education.  I have been with my husband, Ray, since I was 20 years old. We love to travel, and it is our dream after retirement to own an RV and travel all over this beautiful, diverse country of ours!  

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  George vs. George

Year Two

Lesson: Interview an Artifact

Lesson: See, Think, Wonder Chickee Project

Christina Conde-Helman

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Christina Conde-Helman is a Social Studies teacher at Kissimmee Middle School, where she teaches Civics and World History Honors to 7th and 8th grade students. Christina believes in educational equity and has dedicated the last 9 years of her career providing students with unique learning opportunities in which students are engaged in their learning. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, she is also an instructional Mentor, a role in which she supports teachers of all subject areas and grade levels working towards the ultimate goal of providing an optimal learning environment. Christina was recommended for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. And most recently has been recognized as Kissimmee Middle School’s Teacher of the year. Christina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and an Associate Degree in Childhood Education from The City University of New York.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Constitutional Amendments

Resource: Voting Rights Timeline Graphic Organizer

Resource: Voting Timeline

Resouce: Identification Cards

Resource: Visual Metaphor Sample

Resource: Sentence, Phrase, Word

Resource: Civil Rights Journey

Resource: Bill of Rights Match-up

Lesson:  Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Resource: Making Meaning

Resource: Federalists and Anti-Federalists Reading

Resource: Federal vs. Anti-Federalists Primary Sources

Resource: Jefferson vs. Hamilton

Year Two

Lesson: Influential Documents – Digital Storytelling through Artifact Interviews

Resource; Foundational Documents Graphic Organizer

Lesson: International Conflict

Resource: International Conflict Graphic Organizer

Resource: See-Think-Wonder: Inernational Conflicts

Nicholas Dorsey

LEAD K-8 Cohort

I am Nicholas Dorsey a 5th grade teacher at Koa elementary. I am 23 years old and from Kissimmee, Florida. I graduated in 2019 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. This is my first year at Koa and my first year teaching reading, writing, and social studies. In my free time I enjoy watching and coaching sports. I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about social studies curriculum. 

Tiffany Gibson

LEAD K-8 Cohort

I am Tiffany Gibson. I started teaching in 2012 and have been working in Osceola County ever since. My desire to teach came from my love of learning which was instilled within me throughout my academic career. My favorite subject to teach is social studies which led me to join this group! As a child I didn’t get too many opportunities to explore the history that makes our country so unique so I love the chance to explore and learn in this group so I can bring that information and excitement back to my students!  

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson: Introduction to St. Augustine

Resource: St. Augustine DBQ

Lesson:  An Introduction to Fort Mose

Year Two

Lesson: They Call It La Florida

Lesson: Make a Museum

Alberto Gonzalez

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Alberto Gonzalez, and I am an 8th Grade Teacher at Kissimmee Middle School (KMS) in Osceola County, Florida.  I am originally from Honduras but was raised in South Florida.  I moved to the Central Florida area in 2003 to attend UCF and graduated in late 2005 with a BS in Business Administration.  I decided to give teaching a shot in 2006 following in the footsteps of one of my pedagogical heroes and an amazing educator—my sister, Doris Gonzalez.  After teaching 8th grade for 3 years at Denn John Middle in Osceola, I took a hiatus from public education, but continued to work with students in variety of different roles, including Teaching ESL to professional baseball players.  I returned to the Osceola School District in 2016 and have been at KMS since then. 

Personally, I’m passionate about soccer, both as a player and a fan.  I enjoy watching a few other sports, such as baseball and Formula 1.  I enjoy reading and I absolutely love traveling; in fact, I must admit that my summer adventures—domestic & abroad—are still a major reason in my career choices. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson: Foundations of Government

Lesson:  Elections, Political Parties and Influencing Government

Year Two

Lesson: Tracing the Influence of English Documents

Lesson: Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Emily Gorentz

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Emily Stolfus Gorentz, and I am currently a 5th grade Dual Language teacher at Boggy Creek Elementary. I have been teaching Reading, Writing, and Social Studies since 2018. Before this, I worked as a geography teacher at Maru-a-Pula School in Gaborone, Botswana as a Princeton in Africa Fellow. I graduated from Kansas State University in 2017, earning a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in English for Speakers of Other Languages, a secondary major in International Studies, and minors in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and Spanish. I was also fortunate to participate in teaching abroad programs in Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador! I love to learn about the world and the fascinating people in it!  I’m interested in the social justice aspects of education and believe that the classroom is the epicenter of true societal change. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Mumbet's Declaration of Independence

Resource; Mumbet Quote Sort

Lesson: Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons

Year Two

Lesson: Introduction to Slavery

Lesson: Introduction to Native American Removal

Jessica Hughes

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Jessica Hughes and I am a first-grade teacher at Boggy Creek Elementary School.  I teach ESE students in all subject areas. I am originally from Massachusetts and graduated from Becker College with a degree in Elementary Education. I moved to Florida 3 years ago with my husband and three children.  Being from the Boston area, I have always been interested in learning about history, however I never truly got to experience the history of the other parts of the United States, the NCHE LEAD program has been fantastic! 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Beginning Economics: Goods and Services, Barter and Money

Lesson:  Laws and Authority

Year Two

Lesson: United States Symbols

Lesson; Harriet Tubman

Lesson: Then and Now

Jermaine James

LEAD K-8 Cohort

I’m Jermaine James and I teach World History and US History at Discovery Intermediate School in Kissimmee, FL.  This is my 10^th school year teaching and 13^th year overall in education.  I have taught mostly at the middle school level.   I have also taught at the high school level while in the United Arab Emirates.   I’m from a small town called Quincy, FL which is 15 miles outside of Tallahassee, FL.  I received my undergraduate degree from Florida State University and master’s degree from Troy University.  I’m currently working on my doctorate in education from Capella University.  I’m married with four girls.   I’m looking forward to the experiences that awaits me in NCHE. 

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Mykael Lawrence

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Mykael Lawrence and I am a Social Studies Teacher at Kissimmee Middle School in Osceola County, Florida. I was educated in the great state of Pennsylvania where I got my bachelor’s of history at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received my Master’s of Education at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My wife and I moved from the Philadelphia area in 2016 to pursue my dream of teaching! Other than teaching, I love all sports. I played rugby and football in college. I am a huge Philadelphia sports fan, Go Birds! I just recently moved to Celebration, Florida and look forward to starting my 30’s in an exciting new area!

Jesi Lehman

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Jesi Lehman teaches at the Celebration K-8 School. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson: The Silk Road

Lesson:  Athens vs. Sparta

Year Two

Lesson: Hammurabi's Code

Lesson: The Persian War

Jennifer Lewis

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Andrew Keech teachers at the Celebration K-8 School.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Foundations of Government I

Lesson: Foundations of Government II

Lesson: Interpreting the intentions of the Preamble of the Constitution I

Lesson: Interpreting the intentions of the Preamble of the Constitution II

Year Two

Lesson: How a Bill Becomes a Law: Digital Storytelling

Adrian Lugo

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Adrian A. Lugo is the Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Specialist and Content Literacy Resource Teacher for the School District of Osceola County. In his role he blends his outside professional experiences with his passion and knowledge of public relations, journalism, project management, marketing, media, clerical administration, sales, recordkeeping, customer/client service, and more, into the field of education. He was the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Denn John Middle School and has been a highly-rated teacher leader throughout Osceola County leading in-services, curriculum development and pacing, mentoring new teachers and serving in various community outreach activities. He is also a veteran of the US Army.

Wendi McFarland

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Hello, I am Wendi McFarland. I have been in education for 29 years and have taught all grades K-5 (except 1st).  I spent my first eleven years of teaching in Orange County and the rest of my years have been here in Osceola.  I was the Math and Science Coach at Flora Ridge Elementary and am currently the Literacy Coach at Sunrise Elementary. 

For several different reasons, I have unofficially taken on a variety of jobs in this profession in tandem with the position which was on record.   I have filled the shoes of dean, data entry clerk, AVID coordinator, district platform coordinator (DPC), MTSS Coach, and testing coordinator. I guess this makes me a jack of all trades; a master of none. I work hard to always view the glass as half full while remembering what it is like when it is half empty. 

Personally, I am an avid camper of national parks. I love losing cell service and reading books in a hammock under the trees at our campsite. I enjoy hiking to beautiful waterfalls and having deep conversations with my children about things that matter.

Heidi Merrill-McDonough

LEAD K-8 Cohort

I am Heidi Merrill-McDonough. I am from New England but moved to Celebration, Florida in 2002. I hold degrees in Business, Geography and a Master’s Degree in Education. Before entering the field of education, I worked as a Geographer for the government and was President and co-owner of a company called Simply Organized, Inc. This year marks my twentieth year as an educator Throughout my teaching career I have taught in parochial, private and public schools at both the elementary and middle school levels. I currently teach either World History, US History, Civics or a combination depending upon the need each year of the school. I enjoy working with students of all ages and I believe deeply that history education, in particular, is vital to the development of a civilized society and a well-informed future electorate.

            I have been married to my wonderful husband for 28 years. We have a biological son and a daughter whom we adopted from China. Our son currently works in sales and our daughter recently graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and is now serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. My passion in life is travelling. I have traveled extensively throughout the world, mostly by backpacking and staying at hostels. If I won a million dollars tomorrow, I think I would continue travelling in that fashion as it presents unique challenges and allows one to experience the cultures and landscape in a more authentic way. I am fortunate to have had many amazing travel experiences. One happy memory that stands out was having a wild, tropical bird land on my shoulder in the Costa Rican rain forest. On the flip side, twice I have had to run away from bomb explosions. In addition to travelling, I also love anything to do with nature, animals, horseback riding, fast cars, classic rock and the old television show, Hazel.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  The Many Roles of George Washington

Lesson:  Me on the Map: Do I Have Rights?

Year Two

Lesson: Steps to a Civilization

Lesson: The Importance of the Nile River

Paula Moffatte

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Hello, my name is Paula Nicole Moffatte. I rather prefer being called by my middle name, Nicole. I am currently a part of the 5th grade ELA team @Sunrise Elementary School. Originally from Trinidad, W.I., I migrated to NYC and earned a B.A & M.Ed. in Elementary Education from City University of New York, Brooklyn College. I have had the pleasure of teaching for over 30+ years in Brooklyn NY, Prince George’s County MD, and now in Kissimmee FL. I enjoy listening to R&B music, Reading enjoyable and exciting novels…wink wink, and swimming. The beach is my happy place.

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Reasons for a Revolution

Lesson: Early Expansion

Lesson: Corps of Discovery

Lesson: Masters at the Station

Richelle Olson Glynn

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Hi, I’m Richelle Olson Glynn. I attended Bethel University and the University of Minnesota with a double major in Psychology and Business Management, and a Theatre minor. After graduating in 1991, I spent many years as a marketing manager/job specialist for people with disabilities and as a store manager for a men’s formalwear company. In 2003, we moved to Florida from Chicago, IL and I taught classes at the Orange County Jail before finding my teaching home with the School District of Osceola County!  

Since 2005, I’ve taught Social Studies in Harmony, FL. We started as a charter school and finally in 2019 we opened our brand-new middle school! Over the years, I’ve taught Geography, World History, World History Honors, American History, and Civics. I like to do a lot of hands on activities to keep kids engaged and have fun while learning; and I always look forward to interesting discussions about what is going on in our country and around the world. My goal is to help make successful students and productive citizens. 

My husband still commutes to Chicago for work and we have a 27-year-old son, working in the film industry as a sound engineer. In addition, I have a Jack Russell mix fur baby, given to me from a former student almost 15 years ago. We enjoy hanging out on the doggy beach near our home. I also enjoy traveling, movies, reading, and watching my Steelers win on the weekends!

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Lesson Plans

Lesson: Comparative Governments in a Box

Kristi Parker

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Kristi is from the Lone Star State of Texas. Right out of high school, she decided to pursue a career in travel and worked for American Airlines for 13 years. It was a great time to see the world and learn firsthand about the historical sites she was studying in school. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in History and Political Science and then a few years later with a Master’s in Education Curriculum and Instruction with secondary course work in British History.   Her amazing college professors helped foster that love of history and a great way to convey that passion to students. This is her 15^th year teaching – 8 in Texas, 7 in Florida. She has taught middle school English/Language Arts, World History, and 5^th grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies. She has also served as an Instructional Mentor to new teachers for the past 3 years. Kristi is excited to be part of the NCHE LEAD Program and is eager to share her passion for history with others.

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: The American Revolution Virtual Timeline

Lesson: War of 1812: Layered Inquiry

Matt Pelc

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Matt Pelc and I am history teacher at Neptune Middle School in Kissimmee, Florida, where I teach U.S. History to 7th graders and accelerated 6th graders. I was a career changer, coming to teaching at the age of 39 following a decade-long stint as a freelance writer. During that time, my work was published in the Detroit Free Press, Huffington Post, Yahoo, and several other notable publications. Although most thought I would use my writing skills to become an ELA teacher, I wanted to teach the subject I had a passion for, history. During my four years in the classroom, I have established a Student Council group on campus, served on several school committees, and volunteered for leadership roles in the school. I also facilitated the mock election for my school’s students to vote on the 2020 Presidential election. Although many rush away from the teaching profession, I feel it was likely what I should have been doing all along. I enjoy teaching history and making meaningful and long-lasting connections with my students. When not in school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching trains whenever possible. A native of the Detroit suburbs, I relocated to St. Cloud, FL in 2008.

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Road to the America Revolution Timeline

Lesson: Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain?

Michelle Perez

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Michelle D. Perez teaches in the Osceola, Florida, School District.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Rules and Law

Lesson:  Mumbet's Declaration of Independence

Year Two

Lesson: Benjamin Franklin

Lesson: Book in an Hour: The Civil War

Cynthia Rieder

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Cynthia Rieder has been teaching for the School District of Osceola County since 2012. She has taught grades 3-5 and been a Math and Science Coach. She has bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She is pursuing her Masters degree in Educational Leadership at Western Governors University and is a member of the Aspiring Leaders Academy. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Stono's Revolution Revealed

Lesson:  Judging Stono's Revolution

Year Two

Lesson: Missouri Compromise

Lesson: Harpers Ferry

Maria Rodriquez Negroni

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Primary and Secondary Sources

Resource: Layering Inquiry Graphic  Organizer

Resource: Ancient Mesopotamia Unit

Lesson: Role of the Historian

Resource: Historical Thinking Skills

Resource: Historical Inquiry Scale

Laura Rojas-Gotay

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Our Dual Court System

Lesson:  Understanding Federal and State Courts

Lesson: Separate is Not Equal

Year Two

Lesson: International Conflicts

Lesson: Independence

Claris Roman

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Claris Roman was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida when she was 15 and graduated from Gateway High School in Kissimmee.  After high school, Claris attended Valencia College and Columbia College graduating with a degree in psychology.  She was a high school Guidance Secretary for 6 years while going to school. She then transitioned to the classroom where she has been for 20 years.  Claris is in love with history and her family. She is married to her best friend from high school and 23 years later they have a 16, 14, and 7-year-old.  She has been teaching US history for the last 10 years and has loved every minute of it.    

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Reform Movements

Celeste Santiago

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Celeste Santiago and I am a teacher at Sunrise Elementary. I am originally from The Bronx, New York. I have been teaching for 18 years, 17 in Florida and 1 year in New York. I’ve taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade (so far)! I love history and historical fiction and am so happy to be part of this program!

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  How Native Americans Changed the Lives of Settlers

Year Two

Lesson: Seminole Trunk

Lesson: Betty Mae Jumper

Lesson: Harriet Tubman

Lesson; Ida B. Wells

Jamila Taylor-Gaines

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Greetings! My name is Jamila Taylor-Gaines, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Graduated from the University at Buffalo, Class of 2001. Received my Masters in Elementary Education from CUNY - Brooklyn College, Class of 2005.

Currently, I teach 4th/5th grade Gifted Math & Science/AVID at Flora Ridge Elementary. I have been teaching in Osceola County for 16 years.

I love that I am helping build a better future as an educator! #divinepurpose

Maura Timmerman

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Maura Timmerman teaches at Boggy Creek Elementary School in Kissimmee, Florida. 

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Citizenship and Rights

Year Two

Lesson: Immigration

Lesson: American Symbols

Amy-Lynn Vanacore

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Amy-Lynn Vanacore. I am currently a Teacher at Westside K8. I have taught grades 7-8 and currently work with social skills and community development with elementary teachers to help engage students in better thinking and engagement. My favorite course to teach have been Civics and Honors World History. My students loved the connection in Civics to the events happening in our country daily. World History Honors was a different type of class because it really focused on how to express yourself in making a point and using the evidence of the past to explain the impact historical events still have today. I enjoy working with students on volunteer opportunities in our community. For fun I enjoy traveling, hiking, running, baking and reading.

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson:  The Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution

Lesson: Deadly Causes of World War I

Lesson: The Great Depression and the Interwar Period

Andrew Wade

LEAD K-8 Cohort

My name is Andrew Wade and have been a history teacher for the last 14 years, since I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2008.  During that time, I have taught US History, World History, and Civics.  I have taken my students on custom field trips, such as to St. Augustine, or to competitions like We the People where they were able to argue in front of lawyers Constitution-based questions.  I love learning more about history as it helps me bring more to my students.  In my spare time I run a YouTube channel dedicated to history to bring history education to a wider audience.

Lesson Plans

Year Two

Lesson: Nat Turner's Rebellion: Historical Inquiry

Lesson: Native American Removal

Amber West

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Amber West is a sixth grade World History teacher at St. Cloud Middle School. She began her teaching career at St. Cloud Middle in 2012. Before entering the teaching profession, Amber worked for over eleven years at a municipality in their recreation department. Amber holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Human Performance specializing in Fitness Wellness from the University of Florida. In her free time, Amber enjoys spending quality time with her family, watching Hallmark movies, and going to the beach.

Kathy Whitmire

LEAD K-8 Cohort

I am a graduate of Stetson University with a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Latin American Studies. My passion for education eventually led me away from a career as a corporate event planner to undertake this adventure as a U.S. History teacher. I have been blessed to work in my own community for the past six years at Celebration K8 School. When not in the classroom you can still find me at school, on the baseball fields coaching children with special needs through the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball. I am the proud mom of three children who have all attended Osceola County Schools. Prior to Covid learning, when I had time for hobbies, I loved to read, run, and travel to the local beaches to recharge my batteries.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Where Do I Begin?

Year Two

Lesson: Citizenship: What Does Constitution Day Really Mean?

Julie Zollo Barra

LEAD K-8 Cohort

Teaching is my passion! I have been a second-grade teacher for the past 12 years at Mill Creek Elementary School in Kissimmee, Florida.  I enjoy working with students from all different backgrounds and helping to be a part of watching them grow into future community leaders! I believe all students can be successful lifelong learners which is my own personal mantra.

Lesson Plans

Year One

Lesson:  Mumbet's Rights

Lesson:  Native American Primary Sources

Year Two

Lesson: Immigration to The United States of America

Lesson: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty