Tai Basurto—“I currently teach middle school reading at A.N. Pritzker, a regional gifted and fine arts magnet cluster school in Chicago. I also teach a class called Issues and Ideas for an enrichment program called High Jump for academically talented middle school students with limited family income. I received both my bachelors in elementary education and my masters in reading and learning from DePaul University. Using my background as a reading specialist, I currently serve as building literacy leader at Pritzker, where I also coordinate professional development workshops for K-8  teachers to improve their reading instruction. I am a coach for the Chicago Foundation for Education and a study group leader for Boundless Readers.  I am committed to instilling a desire to create a more just world using literature that focuses on identity, citizenship, and human rights.”

Jill Botelho—
“I am excited and honored to attend the NEH summer institute at Indiana University Bloomington. I am a graduate of California State University San Marcos. I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences, and single subject teaching credentials in Social Sciences and English.  As a founding faculty member, World History teacher, and department chair at Mission Vista Dual Magnet High School in Vista, (North County San Diego) California, professional development is an integral part of my work.  While I am a California native, I am also proud to say that I attended IUB in 2000 and look forward to returning.  I became an educator because I wanted to inspire young people and promote social justice through the study of history.  While I had always been interested in history and political science,  I reached another level of comprehension when I began adding sociological theory to my analysis of the policies and events. I feel this summer institute will be a great way to delve into study of this material with the goal of designing relevant lessons, and I look forward to collaborating with other teachers from across the country.”

Erin Bouton—
“I am a History teacher at the Dublin School, a small, private co-educational 9-12 boarding and day school in Dublin, NH.  I have been at Dublin for four years and previously taught at a large public high school in Florida.  I have been teaching for a total of nine years and during that time have taught US History, World History, US Government, Economics, Current Political Events, and Twentieth Century US Women.  I am married to a fellow history teacher, who is also attending and NEH Institute this summer.  I am excited about the possibilities of creating and teaching a senior elective course that incorporates the three social movements presented through this institute.”

Jose Colon—
“Born in Puerto Rico,I  have lived in different parts of the United States. But my home city will always be Chicago. It think it is a great city, even in the winter. I have been fortunate to travel to Oxford and Cambridge for wonderful summer institutes for teachers by the  Gilder Lehrman Institute in the last three years. They have been wonderful experiences to meet different teachers from the United States and the world. It truly enhanced my teaching. I love to sing and I currently sing with a men's choir in Oakland. Finally, I am currently teaching at Berkeley High teaching AP Classes and regular classes. Many of the students are wonderful, making teaching a great joy.”

Maureen Conway—
“I teach Modern U.S. History, Public Policy and Constitutional Law to juniors and seniors at Mounds Park Academy, a non-denominational K-12 independent school in St. Paul, Minnesota where I have worked for nearly 30 years.  Prior to that I was a hippie and then an earth mother with two sets of twins and a goat.  While I do not quite remember the birth of the AFL or the CIO, I vividly recall watching Bull Connor’s dogs attack African American children on TV in 1963, and I was present at the creation of the modern feminist movement.  I am old.  But this makes me all the more interested in learning from the young.  I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota and earned my M.A. from the University of St. Thomas.  My greatest wish came true when Barack Obama battled Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in 2008, and my deepest regret is that I am likely to die before the invention of a time machine.”

Jeannette Cooney—
“As a 17-year veteran teacher, I have experience but always enjoy finding something new to learn and share with my students.  Having recently taken on the challenge of co-teaching a combined American Literature and US History course for gifted students, I hope to bring back valuable and usable knowledge from the summer institute.  As part of my teaching assignment, I also advise the yearbook staff and sponsor FADD (Falcons Against Drinking and Drugs) at Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis.  I live in Southport, IN with my husband of 16 years and my 12-year-old field spaniel.   Outside of school, I enjoy listening to live music, watching documentaries, making improvements to my 175-year-old home, and occasional road trips.”

Andrew Currie—
“At the moment, I am wrapping up my MAT in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  This past spring I have been student teaching at Al Raby High School in Chicago's Garfield Park neighborhood, teaching sophomore U.S. and senior African American history.  I grew up in the Chicago area and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.  After obtaining my B.A. I moved to Hungary where I taught ESL and American Civilization in two Hungarian public high schools for 5 and 2 years, respectively.  I love to travel, read, and play soccer.  My historical interests include nationalism, cartography, the Cold War, Chicago history, and black loyalists during the American Revolution.”

James Diskant— “With a doctorate in German labor history, experience in teaching both at the college and secondary levels, as well as with special education students, I bring an unusual combination of expertise and curiosity to this Institute. Since 2001 I have taught in a city exam (magnet) school in Boston, Massachusetts, where I have been actively designing courses to integrate United States and world history together, as well as approaching teaching from a thematic perspective, particularly in terms of the role people have in working to improve their communities or obstacles they encounter. I also write regularly: for Center for Learning publications and for World History Connected, an online journal, where I also edit essays on pedagogy. I hope to use the material that I learn from this institute in teaching, in writing, and also in workshop presentations.”

Trent Dlugosh—
“I am finishing my second year of teaching after spending 12 years working in minor league sports.  I have a B.A. in history from the University of South Dakota and a MA in Education from the University of Sioux Falls.  I currently teach Modern American History and America Studies at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  I have taken part in curriculum study and development including writing standards, designing significant tasks and developing common assessments.  I am currently receiving training from the Buck Institute on Project Based Learning.  I have been married to my wife Cris for 11 years and we have two daughters, Alexxa (9) and Charli (6).”

sharlimar douglass—
“I have been teaching for thirteen years. I began my teaching career in middle school. I taught in middle school for eight years. For five of those years I served as the Director of Diversity as well. I have taught in both public and private schools and taught coed and single sex schools. After eight years in the class room I left the classroom  to be an Instructional Facilitator at Johns Hopkins University Center for Social Organization of School Talent Development High Schools Program. As an Instructional Facilitator I provided instructional coaching, professional development, training, and team support primarily for ninth grade teachers. Three years as an Instructional Coach was a great experience but I greatly missed being a part of a community. Consequently, I returned to the classroom. I now teach and lead a team of teachers at the high school level at one of Baltimore City’s newest transformation schools.  I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morgan State University with a degree in African American History. I studied Women’s History at the Master’s level at Rutgers University. Currently, I working toward a Master’s in Urban Education at Johns Hopkins University.  I enjoy reading historical fiction, history, biographies and autobiographies. Baking is one of my favorite past times. My specialties are pound cake and carrot cake. I have two Goddaughters Ana and Alexis and my niece Nadiya with whom I spend a great of time. I am committed to daily exercise such as strength training, yoga and walking/running. My mantra is ‘We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.’—Sweet Honey in the Rock”

Claudia Eschelbach—
“I have been a librarian since 1990.  Initially, I worked in the public library sector with patrons from preschool age to adults.  I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University, a Master's in Library Science from Kent State University, and a K-12 Library Media Certification from Ohio Dominican University.  I am currently a Library Media Specialist for the Columbus City Schools.  I am a member of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association, the American Library Association, and served as a member of the Teacher Advisory team for Time Warner cable.”

Nicole Getz—
“I have been learning with the students of Twin Lakes for eight years. I began my teaching career as a seventh grade language arts teacher upon my graduation from Purdue University in 2002. I enjoyed working with students of all ability levels in my interdisciplinary middle school team, but decided to change venues in 2008 when I began teaching at the high school. Since then, I have had the opportunity to teach English at levels 9-11, which includes literature from Greek mythology to 21st century science fiction. My current teaching assignment includes a speech class that appeals to both my career and my hobbies. I support the school community by coaching the competitive speech team and tutoring individual students in their efforts to earn oratory scholarships. I also work with the junior class sponsor whenever I can lend a hand, supervise the theatre makeup crew, and participate in the Every 15 Minutes program.”

Adrienne Harris—
“I currently teach U.S. history at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT.  I am excited to be a part of this institute due to its focus on how race and gender affect the lives of Americans.  In my third year as a teacher, I have mostly sophomores who vary greatly in achievement level and abilities--from ELL to A.P.  Next year, I will be teaching ECE (Early College Experience) U.S. history through the University of Connecticut. I hope this institute will make history more relevant and engaging for my very diverse student population. In my ‘free time,’ I coach JV girls lacrosse, run (for fun, not really competitively), and enjoy books and music.  Although I have visited several locales on the east and west coasts, this will be only my second foray into the Midwest.  I did root for the Colts in the last Super Bowl, though, since the Giants didn't make it.”

Cherith Johnson—
“I live in the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado.  I have been a teacher for nine years and currently teach 9th grade.  I find joy in life by traveling, reading, bowling, going to movies, and investing in the relationships I have with friends and family.”

Summer Johnson—
“I am a first year M.A. student at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. I received a B.A. degree in Film from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002. Before returning to graduate school, I taught United States History for six years in West Palm Beach, Florida where I served as department chair and participated in the Teaching American History Grant. I attended a variety of teacher seminars hosted by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, including a summer seminar in Cambridge, England with Anthony Badger which discussed the American Civil Rights Movement.  After completing graduate studies, I plan to return to teaching.”

Desi Lee—
“I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Government from The Florida State University and my Master’s in Rehabilitation Administration from The University of San Francisco.  My first career was working in programs serving persons with developmental disabilities in middle management, senior management and CEO positions.  After several years of working in other programs, I started my own residential and adult day training program serving persons with developmental disabilities.  There has always been an eagerness to be current with my education and be the best at my craft. I have been continually involved in advocacy and improving services provided to persons with disabilities.  After seven years of operating my own program I decided to fulfill a dream to teach high school students.  The past three years I have been teaching exceptional high school students in the public school system.  My first teaching assignment was in Pensacola, Florida.  I have been in my current assignment in Milton, Florida for two years.  The first year teaching in Milton I was elected Rookie Teacher of the Year by my colleagues at Navarre High School; in my second year I was a finalist for Rookie Teacher of the Year.  I have been designated as a highly qualified Exceptional Special Education Teacher with certifications in Exceptional Education and Elementary Education.  I am completing my last class for certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages.”

Kevin Murphy—
“Stoughton High School, in Stoughton, MA has been my home for the past three years. I teach US History II, Current Events and an interdisciplinary humanities course, American Studies. Teaching is a joy and I am so glad that I chose to switch careers five years ago.  Prior to teaching I was a Foreign Service Officer in the employ of the U.S. Department of State. I served overseas in Algeria, Chile and Iraq before leaving to teach. I also spent time as an operations manager in the mutual fund industry working in California and Rhode Island.  Besides history, traveling is a passion and I’ve had the opportunity to live and travel within the U.S. and abroad a great deal. DC, San Francisco and Boston have been my primary homes in the U.S. Two years ago I followed the Santa Fe Trail west (by car, not wagon train) and then went up to Boulder to attend a seminar. I love our national parks and hope to visit Smoky Mountain NP en route to Indiana. Along with the countries noted above, I have also lived in Egypt and England (Canterbury). Australia, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia are still to be explored.”

Mark Olesh—
“I am a high school social studies teacher at Eastern High School in Pekin, Indiana.  I currently teach World History, College Credit US Government, College Credit Economics, and AP European History. I have taught for over 20 years at both the high school and college level in history, political science, and education.  An avid runner, I also coach cross country and track and have run in three marathons. During the summer, I and my wife, Jennifer, and our five children have traveled throughout the United States, always enjoying historic sites.”

Kathryn Person—
“I come from the University of Illinois-Chicago, where I just finished my Master's in the Teaching of History.  This spring, I completed my student teaching at Northside College Prep.  Previously, I worked as a tax manager for a large accounting firm, which afforded me the opportunity to live abroad in Belgium and work in India.  I’m looking forward to teaching history and economics in the future and participating in the NEH seminar this summer.”

Melissa Phillips—
“I am a 10th grade English teacher at Saint John’s Catholic Prep in Frederick, MD.  I received my undergraduate degree in English (2007) and my Masters in the Arts of Teaching (2009) both from Mount Saint Mary’s University.  I am the only girl of five children and enjoy spending a lot of my free time with my friends and family, in particular my red-headed nephews.  For fun I like to eat, hike, cook, read, be in the sunshine, and get better acquainted with local breweries and wineries (something Frederick has plenty to offer).  I love to teach and learn, but more importantly, I love to live life to the fullest.”

Jennifer Prince—
“I am an English and speech teacher at Jac-Cen-Del High School in rural, southeastern Indiana. I am also a Ph.D. student in the Department of Literacy, Culture, and Language Education at Indiana University, Bloomington. My research interests include rural literacy, media and 21st century literacies, and gender in education. I have presented my research at several leading conferences.”

Casey Rekowski—
“I am a third year teacher at Silver Lake Regional High School, where I teach United States history.  I graduated summa cum laude from Bridgewater State College in 2007, and am currently enrolled in Bridgewater State College’s graduate program. I enjoy studying social history, particularly women’s history. My honors thesis, “ ‘A Female will keep Quite as Good a School as a Man’: Horace Mann’s Vision for Female Teachers” was presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in San Francisco, California and published in Bridgewater State College’s The Undergraduate Review. I look forward to discovering the latest research and approaches used to examine American social history, and bringing that knowledge back to the classroom to share with my students.”

Elizabeth Robbins—
“I am very excited about participating in this summer’s NEH program and hope to learn and take home tons of great material and pedagogical insights for my students and department. I have lived on the south side of Chicago for most of my life and have taught history at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep (a public school on the south side) for the past seven years. I am married to another history teacher and together we have two children who we hope to inculcate with a passion for history as soon as they let their defenses down.”

Patrick Sprinkle—
“I am  a first year global history teacher at the Bronx Expeditionary Learning High School in New York City. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University and my masters’ degree in social studies education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  My academic interests include the United States Congress, American political parties, and the role of unions in American politics. As a classroom teacher, I strive to place social justice as a core component of classroom learning and seek to improve the political self-efficacy of my students.”

Amanda Zigmond—
“I teach AP US Government, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Comparative Government at New Braunfels High School. I sponsor Model United Nations, UIL Spelling and Current Events, and Political Union. I have a B.A. in religion from Boston University and a M.A. in teaching from Simmons College.  I live outside of Austin, Texas.”