My name is Amanda Hanson and I am delighted to share my love of history with my students again this year. I have taught both middle and high school. This year, I am teaching AP world history, AP European history, AP United States history, AP Microeconomics, and AP U.S. Government.  I am also serving as the History Department Chair this year. I am the advisor to the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the Yearbook Club.

The goal of history is to teach students the skills they need to achieve in high school, while preparing them for success in whatever field they choose to pursue in college. Students will learn critical research skills, while learning to analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources. Students will develop a personal world view, based on conclusions drawn from multiple perspectives. They will develop an arguable thesis and support it with pertinent evidence. Students will acquire the knowledge and experiences necessary to become responsible citizens and interact effectively with people of differing backgrounds and perspectives.

This is my sixth year teaching at Sonoran Science Academy. I have a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Arizona and am a certified teacher with a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. I have met the State’s qualifications for a “highly qualified” teacher in the areas of history, geography, political science and United States government, and economics.

I have lived in Tucson most of my life, though I was born in Iowa and have also lived in Sydney, Australia and Maryland. I have been blessed with the opportunities to travel to several places around the world, including Italy, Germany, Turkey, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and the former Soviet Union. These experiences have influenced my own world view and broadened my perspective, which I hope will benefit my students through my instruction.

I am proud to be a part of Sonoran Science Academy. Three of my own children have attended SSA: two have graduated from here and I have one student still here in high school. I look forward to another great year with your students this year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me at ahanson@sonoranacademy.org.

This year my students will again be participating in the National History Day Competion. The theme this year is Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events. Please see the instructions attached to this page.

 Amanda M. Hanson