Social Studies
“The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.” – National Council for the Social Studies
Our team embraces this vision for social studies. From Pre-K students through graduating seniors, we strive to create opportunities for students to become active informed citizens who will make a difference as they:
- Apply knowledge of past historical and geographic patterns to understand the present and prepare for the future
- Participate actively and effectively as an informed citizen of a democracy living in a global community by applying sound decision-making, using economic reasoning skills, and utilizing appropriate technology
- Develop empathy in an increasingly diverse and interdependent world by understanding the influence of cultural and physical geography on point of view
- Develop the critical thinking skills of a historian or geographer by identifying points of view, raising questions, evaluating evidence, contextualizing, corroborating sources, constructing original ideas, collaborating with others and justifying conclusions in written and verbal communication
Pier Larsen – Director of Social Studies, PreK–12
Email: larsenp@cfbisd.edu
Phone: 972-968-6180
Mrs. Pier Larsen earned her B.A of English and History at The University of North Texas. After receiving a James Madison Fellowship she completed her M.A in History. She enjoyed teaching world history and U.S. History at the high school level for eleven years. During that time, Ms. Larsen taught Advanced Placement U.S. History for six years and was an AP Reader for the College Board for three years prior to becoming the Director of Social Studies for Carrollton-Farmers Branch in 2010.
Steve Sonksen – Elementary/Middle School Specialist
Email: sonksens@cfbisd.edu
Phone: 972-968-6645
Steve Sonksen earned his B.S. in Education from Concordia University, Nebraska. He completed an M.S. in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from Minnesota State University and an M.A. in History from the University of Nebraska. Steve taught for 23 years and was named the Texas History Teacher of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year. He began serving as the Elementary/MS Social Studies Specialist for Carrollton-Farmers Branch in the fall of 2013.
Megan Duckworth – Secondary Specialist
Email: duckworthm@cfbisd.edu
Phone: 972-968-6560