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Social Studies

Our Social Studies Department aims to develop informed, critical-thinking, and engaged global citizens by fostering inquiry, civil discourse, and understanding of diverse cultures, history, government, and economics, empowering students to act responsibly and participate meaningfully in a democratic, interconnected world. In our classrooms, our key themes include critical analysis, research, problem-solving, and building empathy for humanity's challenges.

Our mission is to encourage students to ask questions, evaluate sources, analyze information, and understand cause/effect. In so doing, we believe we will prepare students to be active, responsible participants in their school, community and nation. We strive to create a nurturing environment where all students can thrive and discover their innate potential. 

Meet Our Faculty

Our department is composed of dedicated educators with advanced degrees and a shared passion for history, geography, creativity, and global citizenship. Together, our educators bring over 50 years of combined experience in teaching, mentoring, coaching, and international program leadership.

  • Chris Adamo – Department Head & AP US History Instructor
    M.A. in Social Studies Education
    Leads the Social Studies team and teaches AP United States History emphasizing research-based learning, critical thinking, and source analysis.

  • Jennifer Brown – AP Human Geography, AP U.S. Government & Politics, Honors Economics & Personal Finance
    Teaches the 12th grade Social Studies courses. Facilitates inquiry-based learning through real-world concept analysis and application. 

  • Karie Daley – AP World History, Modern, and World Cultures and Religion, Honors.
    M.A. in Secondary Education
    Teaches AP World History, Modern, and World Cultures and Religion, Honors, using the Socratic method, document based analysis, and discussion to encourage critical thinking and writing skills.

  • Bradley Davis – AP World History, Modern Sociology, Honors.
    M.A. in North American History from Arizona State University
    Uses inquiry driven lessons to engage students to investigate, research, and analyze in order to create a classroom environment where students are active members and not just passive listeners.

  • Samara Hawkins – Pre-AP World History
    B.A in Communications, Certification in International Public Relations
    Teaches Pre-AP World History, Pre-Modern. Uses inquiry driven lessons to engage students to investigate, research, and analyze in order to create an inclusive classroom environment where students are actively engaged.

  • Andrew Oates – Pre-AP World History, Honors
    B.A. in History, with a Concentration in Post 1950 American Economic Studies. B.A. in Secondary Education.
    Works exclusively with 9th graders to prepare them for the rigors and challenges of studying complex societal, economic, and geopolitical themes that will be covered in future academic endeavors.

Social Studies Program

Our program stands as a pillar of the TMSA Triangle academic community, integrating elements of the humanities, arts and literature to better understand human behavior, societies, cultures, and institutions, weaving these disciplines to explain how people interact with each other and their environments, addressing complex issues through inquiry and critical thinking with leadership, creativity, and global awareness.

Core Disciplines Integrated:

  • History: Past events, trends, and their impact on the present.
  • Geography: People, places, environments, and their relationships.
  • Civics & Government: Political systems, laws, rights, and responsibilities.
  • Economics: How societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services, including finance.
  • Sociology: Social structures, groups, interactions, and cultural dynamics.

Other Integrated Fields:

  • Anthropology: Study of human societies and cultures.
  • Psychology: Human behavior and motivations.
  • Arts & Literature: Cultural expression, narratives, and diverse perspectives.
  • Philosophy & Ethics: Moral reasoning and societal values. 

Social Studies CoursesOur department offers a progressive and comprehensive sequence of study that meets the diverse needs of all learners:

  • AP United States History
  • AP World History
  • Pre-AP World History
  • AP Human Geography
  • World Cultures and Religion, Honors
  • AP U.S. Government & Politics
  • Honors Economics & Personal Finance

Each course emphasizes strategies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human world, not just isolated facts, and seeks to develop skills for inquiry, source evaluation, and civic action. Each course emphasizes becoming engaged participants in a diverse world. — skills essential for college readiness and lifelong learning. 

Social Studies in ActionWe are proud to celebrate a tradition of excellence supported by both student and faculty achievements:

  • Through interactive field trips to historical sites, hands-on projects, simulations, community engagement, and "informed action" where students use historical knowledge to solve real-world problems, like creating PSAs, lobbying local government, or tackling school-based issues, moving beyond lectures to critical thinking, debate, primary source analysis, and connecting past events to present concerns.
  • Advanced Placement Success: Growth in AP enrollment and achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to academic rigor and literacy excellence.
  • Global Engagement: Students and faculty participate in internationally focused learning experiences that connect language, leadership, and cultural understanding.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to advancing our mission through:

  • Expanding cross-disciplinary learning with the humanities and sciences.
  • Broadening opportunities for global education and student leadership.
  • Continuing to cultivate a culture of inquiry, inclusivity, empathy, and excellence.