What Classroom Teachers Have To Say

 Any space Joe is in automatically becomes a welcoming space.  Joe's knowledge, warmth, integrity, and genuine interest in teachers and what we do (and helping us do it!) shine through in all of his interactions, be it at a conference, during a casual conversation, or in a more formal setting.  In my experience, whenever I have a question about PD, a teaching method, or anything about my profession, or if I need to bounce an idea off of someone, Joe is always there.  He's the first to offer a helping hand or advice and he's also there to simply listen.   It's important to focus on what unites us rather than our differences, especially in such a crucial field, and when I think about conversations I've had about unity among educators- or that needed some guidance to help groups see eye-to-eye- Joe has been involved in many of them, working to bring people together. 

 Joe Schmidt is one of the most talented and gifted minds I've encountered. His lovable charm, great sense of humor, are all overshadowed by his love and care for education. When Joe and I initially connected at a WCSS event, he immediately made me feel welcomed, included, and valued. On top of Joe's incredible trainings, over a decade of teaching experience, he also authored the book, 'Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities' and it has truly changed how I educate myself and my students - it has genuinely impacted how I engage others in all facets of my life.

As the 2023, Frederick Douglass - James Madison Fellow, I have committed my career to civics and social studies education. I wholeheartedly know that this is amongest the most important work that needs to be done in schools. Joe Schmidt has made that his life's work. Today, I not only consider Joe an inspiration and a thought-leader, but I'm also fortunate enough to call him a friend. I would vote for him as president of NCSS because I know how passionate he is for teachers, education, and that above all, he is the biggest champion for Social Studies. Furthermore, I know that Joe will accomplish so much in this capacity.  
 

 I wholeheartedly endorse Joe Schmidt for NCSS president.  Over the years I have come to know Joe as a dedicated educator, passionate about civics, and tirelessly working to help out the educator community through his work in various organizations, such as NCSS, and work with the Bill of Rights Foundation. It has been a pleasure to connect with him at conferences, learn from his presentations, and share ideas and resources over Twitter/X over the years. His dedication to educators and civics has led him to write a book on civil discourse to help our community. I know he will bring this passion and labor of love to his continued work with NCSS and help lead the organization and build educator capacity during these polarizing times. I hope you will join me in voting for Joe Schmidt for NCSS president. 

When I think of someone that is a tireless advocate for Social Studies, Joe Schmidt comes to mind. I got to know Joe through our service on the NCSS Government and Public Relations Committee and have interacted with him at the NCSS and Michigan Council for the Social Studies conferences. Joe chaired the NCSS Government and Public Relations committee with a stated mission of having the committee make meaningful progress in advocating for legislation like the Educating for American Democracy Act and tracking Social Studies related legislation in state legislatures. As President of NCSS, Joe would foster a culture of collaboration, help grow NCSS membership, and chart a course for NCSS to navigate the many challenges faced by educators in these unprecedented times. I wholeheartedly endorse Joe’s candidacy for President of NCSS. 

 Joe Schmidt has earned my endorsement for NCSS president . Joe always has students and teachers first in all of his interactions for Professional Development. I truly appreciate his commitment to the Social Studies profession and the need for strong pedagogy skills along with strong content knowledge. I also learn new strategies for my classroom and also feel valued whenever we have a professional development or a conversation. Joe Schmidt is the best choice for the NCSS President. 

My name is Peter Paccone, and I am a San Marino high school social
studies teacher with more than thirty years of classroom teaching
experience. I'm also the Class Companion Community Outreach Manager and someone who has known Joe Schmidt for over a decade. In that time, I have always found him to be exceptionally friendly, polite, and
considerate. I've also come to rely on him for support and guidance, especially when having questions relating to my teaching. Beyond that, I recognize him as someone with outstanding leadership qualities. I therefore wholeheartedly support Joe in his campaign for NCSS president.

 Joe is an outstanding, positive presence in the national social studies community. He is able to deliver quality, straight-forward PD that is relevant and valuable, and is always available to answer follow-up questions and advice! I appreciate all the work he puts into everything he does to make it the best for educators. 

 It is my honor to endorse Joe Schmidt for NCSS President. Joe's exceptional pedagogical skill set, honed over years of dedicated teaching, equips him with the knowledge and insight needed to continue the innovation within the organization. Furthermore, he possesses a remarkable ability to bring educators together, fostering collaboration and unity within the community. His unwavering positivity and infectious enthusiasm for the field of social studies education motivate others to strive for excellence. With Joe Schmidt at the helm, NCSS is bound to keep reaching new heights in promoting social studies education nationwide. 

 Joe Schmidt truly engages educators in the work of social studies leadership. His passion for the work and sense of urgency make him an ideal leader in these times. 

 I am thrilled to endorse Joe Schmidt for NCSS President. Joe is a dynamic and dedicated social studies professional whose passion for the field is truly inspiring. Joe has a gift for helping other social studies educators enhance their pedagogical skills through his numerous professional development sessions, conference presentations, and book Civil Discourse. With Joe’s energy, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our discipline, I am confident that he will steer the NCSS organization towards a brighter, more inclusive, and more impactful future for social studies education.