DAN NOLAN

Dan attended Old Dominion University for undergraduate hours and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Political Science in 1976. He continued his education and obtained his Masters of Education in Social Studies in 1993. He has a total of 16 years of experience in the Norman Public Schools. In his present teaching assignment, he teaches AP European History, International Problems, Current Issues, and has taught World History, Advanced World History, and Economics. He also is a GED instructor.

Before entering the teaching profession, Dan was a Captain in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. From this experience he developed what he calls, “Nolan’s Rules for Training Fighter Pilots and Secondary Students.” They are:

• Keep student interested. Pumping facts at a sleeping student results in a sleeping student.
• Keep classes relevant so students see the impact on their lives. Find the connection to your students.
• Reaffirm that they are important and that they count.
• Show students the “big picture” and where they fit in and how scores and tests are important.
• Remember that students are your mission, and you as a teacher, mentor, and guide are a vital support element.

In his portfolio Dan made this statement about teaching: “I do this job because you understand that you are part of the bridge that connects generations and holds our society together. Teaching is key, critical fulcrum, where a single person can influence generations. You are part of the great narrative of life and nation. Teaching is teaching is teaching . . . whether fighter pilots, adults, fellow teachers, Advance Placement ‘brainiacs,’ or GED students who are trying to pull their lives and families together . . . you teach them. That is what I am; I am a teacher.”

2008 District Teacher of the Year Finalists

2008 Site Teachers of the Year