The Social Studies Department at Eastern Technical High School is committed to providing all students with equitable access to a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for informed citizenship, college success, and the demands of a global workplace in the 21st century. Department members are dedicated to designing engaging and challenging instruction that fosters critical thinking, civic responsibility, and historical inquiry. Rigorous Social Studies work involves analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and synthesis of diverse sources and perspectives. It encourages students to investigate complex social, political, economic, and cultural issues - both past and present - through discussion, research, and evidence-based writing. Social Studies instruction will enable students to:
- Develop historical thinking and geographic literacy
- Analyze primary and secondary sources critically
- Construct and defend arguments using evidence
- Understand the foundations of government, economics, and global systems
- Explore diverse cultures and perspectives
- Engage in civil discourse and community problem-solving
- Become informed, responsible participants in a democratic society
Social Studies Courses - Required Courses
- 9th grade - United States History (Honors or Advanced Placement)
- 10th grade - World History (Honors or Advanced Placement)
- 11th grade - American Government (Honors or Advanced Placement)
- 12th grade - Personal Finance and Economic Theory (PFET) or Economics (Advanced Placement)
Social Studies Elective Courses for 2025 - 2026 School Year:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Advanced Placement Economics
- Advanced Placement Human Geography
- Advanced Placement Psychology
- Films in History
- Forensics
- Philosophy
Social Studies Teachers
- Kevin Applegate (AP World History, Philosophy)
- Kermit Cummings (9th grade Law, World History, Forensics)
- Brian Desmond (World History, AP World History, AP Human Geography)
- Jill Duvall (AP Psychology, Personal Finance and Economic Theory)
- Jayme Harget (12th grade Law, AP United States History)
- Chris Harrison (11th grade U.S. History, AP United States History, Films in History)
- Josiah Latona (9th and 11th grade U.S. History)
- Terry Otto (10th and 11th grade Law, AP United States History)
- Jenny Pagliarini (9th grade U.S. History, AP Psychology)
- Reese Winpenny (AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, Personal Finance and Economic Theory, Abnormal Psychology)