Social Studies Department
Social studies are the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provide coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. 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.
John Bode
High School Geography
My name is John Bode, and I am the building sub for the high school as well as teaching Geography and PE this year. I graduated in 2019 from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Minor in Digital Media, and I currently hold the rank of Third Degree Black Belt and Specialty Trainer in Songham Taekwondo. I love helping encourage every student at AFSA to grow and flourish on their journey through high school, and I strive to integrate respect, acceptance, and self awareness into every lesson I teach as well as model these qualities in my own actions
Jackson Mackley
High School Social Studies
Hello, my name is Jackson Mackley, I am a first year Social Studies teacher at AFSA High School. I grew up in Hudson, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. I am excited to gain more experience and improve as an educator throughout the school year. I have been outside of the United States 3 times in my life. I have been to Ireland, Guatemala, and Canada and hope to visit more of the world if given the chance. In my free time I enjoy fishing, hunting, golfing, video games, and watching sports.
Laura Nelson
High School Social Studies
Over my many years of teaching, I have come to see my job is to support all students and foster their excitement about being active citizens. I believe the best way to ensure success is to try. When you put your mind to it you can accomplish more than you think you can. My favorite parts of teaching at AFSA are Advisory and Terms because it allows me to get to know students outside of the classroom. Students and teachers get to share interests and have fun together without the pressures that can come with academics. In my free time I do a lot with Minnesota YMCA Youth-in-Government, cheer on the Vikings with my husband, take photographs and go to yoga.
Shawn Osterhus
High School Social Studies
My name is Shawn Osterhus, and I'm excited to begin my fifth year of teaching social studies. This is my 1st year at AFSA High School. I am passionate about fostering students' critical thinking and argumentation skills while immersing them in the lessons of history and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society. Outside the classroom, I enjoy a range of activities including listening to and creating music, running, true crime podcasts, street photography, reading, and political science.