Chris teaches A.P. Human Geography, World History, and Geospatial Technologies at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is also (adjunct) Assistant Professor of Geography for the Virginia Community College System and Lecturer of Geography for the University of Virginia's Graduate School of Education. Subjects taught include Human Geography, World Regions, and Physical Geography.   

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Leading Edge Professional & Curriculum Development

 

During the past two decades he has collaborated on projects focused on leveraging geospatial technologies, geo-literacy, and experiential education in the K-12 classroom. This  includes directing a number of immersive, nationally recognized professional development programs which include:  "The Virginia Experiment” Teaching American History (TAH) Project; the “America on the World Stage” TAH Project; the iSTEM Teacher Scholars Program, and Placing Primary Sources TPS project.  Other transformative collaborations include: the “Transatlantic Teacher Scholars: Change Over Time and Place in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery”; Esri’s GeoInquiries for US History and Human Geography; the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools Program.

 

Recognizing and Respecting Classroom Realities

 

Recognizing the limited number of resources and professional learning opportunities existed for K-12 teachers led Chris to co-author two widely respected books that emphasize the use of the inquiry process and geospatial technologies in classrooms.  These works include Jamestown to Appomattox: Mapping U.S. History Using GIS, and GIS for Teachers, the first GIS textbook for pre-service teachers. 

 

Professional Affiliations & Recognitions

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Virginia Geographic Alliance - State Coordinator, Steering Committee Member, & program leader

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National Geographic Society- Explorer & Certified K12 Educator

2020 Grantee - Revisiting Charlottesville: A Framework for Exploring Communities Through a Geographic Lens

 

National Council for History Education -  Board of Directors (2019-2025), Vice Chair (2022 - 2025) webinar leader, & author

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National Council for the Social Studies - member & webinar presenter 

2016 Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Social Studies

2015 Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy

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National Council for Geography Education, member, webinar presenter, & contributing autho

2023 AP Human Geography Distinguished Teaching Award

2017 Brunn Creativity Award for Outstanding Teaching of Geography

2015 Geographic Excellence in Media Award

2006 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award

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Let's Connect

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Everyone is a geographer.  They just don't know it.  If the resources, vision, and information available at ShiftGeo are interesting, inspiring, and/or puzzling let's connect and discuss ways to bring experiential, technology-enriched spatial thinking into your classroom or organization.

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