By SCOTT WHIPPLE
Staff writer

BERLIN — The first clue David Bosso had Friday that something might be different was when his wife showed up in his social studies classroom, aiming a camera at him.

In a surprise ceremony, the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies honored Bosso, a teacher at Berlin High School, as its 2009 Social Studies Teacher of the Year. The award honors the teacher who most clearly exhibits excellence in the teaching of social studies in Connecticut during the past year.

“Social studies education allows us to be more empathetic, effective and responsible global citizens,” Bosso said. “Teachers in this field offer guidance to this end. As a Social Studies teacher, I have a strong sense of obligation to my students and to society as a whole.”

A magna cum laude graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Bosso, 34, earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Hartford, and a Master of Arts degree in history from Central Connecticut State University.

John Tully, an assistant professor of history at CCSU who taught Bosso, said he was most impressed with “his sense of what social studies can do for children’s lives. Dave teaches beyond what is happening in the classroom.”

“Earning my second master’s degree in history at Central Connecticut State University gave me a new understanding of historical research,” Bosso said, “as well as a richer appreciation for local history in the context of global events. Using this approach in the classroom has augmented my teaching.”

Bosso credits his mentors.

They include CCSU history professor Matt Warshauer, editor of the publication, “Connecticut History.”

“He’s been great at challenging me and my thinking,” said Bosso.

Mark Jones, another history professor at Central, was Bosso’s thesis adviser.

“Mark, Matt and John [Tully] have been tremendous,” he said,

Then, too, there’s Berlin High School’s principal. In his letter of recommendation, George Synott wrote that “David Bosso is an extraordinary professional educator who is held in the highest esteem by both his colleagues and students.”

Bill Silva, Bosso’s department chairman at BHS, nominated him for the award.

“I couldn’t be prouder of him,” said Silva.

Tully understands why Silva values Bosso.

“Dave has consistently been an asset to our program of preparing future teachers,” Tully said. “He goes out of his way to talk to classes and take on students in field experiences at Berlin High School. Thanks to Dave our students are better prepared to become teachers.”

An essay based on Bosso’s MA thesis will appear in Warshauer’s journal, “Connecticut History.” His essay examines the impact of Japan’s postwar economic growth on the U.S. and on Connecticut. Bosso has won numerous grants for professional development opportunities in China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. He has also made presentations on teaching at international, national and local conferences. Before teaching at Berlin High School — where he graduated — he taught at the former Holy Cross School in New Britain.

Maybe some day he’ll teach at the collegiate level. But for now, he’s content introducing younger minds to worlds that are new to them.

The Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the professional organization of all social studies teachers in the state, is affiliated with the National Council for the Social Studies.

Scott Whipple can be reached at swhipple@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 319.