Kathleen Owings Swan

Dr. Kathleen Owings Swan is a distinguished professor of curriculum and instruction and Director of Next Generation Teacher Preparation at the University of Kentucky, where she has revolutionized social studies education through innovative technology integration. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in social studies education from the University of Virginia, a B.S. in economics from Mount Saint Mary's College, and an M.A.T. from Johns Hopkins University. Her groundbreaking contributions to education include creating the Historical Scene Investigation Project, the Digital Directors Guild, and Digital Docs in a Box, earning her four National Technology Leadership Awards in Social Studies Education. As a leading voice in educational policy and curriculum development, she served as the project Director and Lead Writer of the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards and advises the Social Studies Assessment, Curriculum, and Assessment Collaborative at the Chief Council of State School Officers. Her scholarly work has produced significant publications, including the book "And Action! Doing Documentaries in the Social Studies Classroom" and the children's series "Thinking Like a Citizen." Her expertise was further recognized when she was selected as the Goldman Sachs Fellow at the National Museum of American History in 2013, where she continued her work in bridging technology and social studies education through innovative teaching methodologies.