Michelle Stacy-Future PhD

Kalli Morris

Enriching minds beyond the classroom Mrs. Michelle Stacy has achieved recognition from the acclaimed academia community. Recently, a portion of her dissertation has been published in a scholastic database. She is currently working towards her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Educational Studies, a fusion of her passions, teaching and history. To obtain a PhD one must go through vigorous steps, which is the process Mrs. Stacy now finds herself in. While writing multiple articles is a part of the procedure it is an added bonus that a journal decided to publish hers. The American Education History Journal is the publication that picked up her article, and now that it is published the article can be used as a direct resource. Her article “The Historical Origins of Social Studies Teacher as Athletic Coaches,” is only the beginning of her journey through the exploring gender placement in history.

Mrs. Stacy teaches AP (advanced placement) classes which offer students dual credit to St. Louis University, and because of this she receives vouchers for the University. After gaining her Undergraduate and Master’s degree she felt she simply could not stop there, with an active mind and a great sense of cognizance (knowledge), she had more to prove. So she decided to take advantage of the opportunity, and pursue her PhD at St. Louis University.

A challenging aspect of the writing process is finding a worthy topic. But, she examined the pattern within her own field, and asked “what is the connection between social studies teachers coaching high school athletes?” While many observers may overlook this common practice, Mrs. Stacy was determined to discover the relevance of the topic, and realized she was onto something of significance. After presenting the idea to peers they all collectively realized that there was indeed a pattern. Looking personally at Mascoutah High School’s Social Studies department out of the five male teachers, four of them are coaches; which only further proves her point. History is her direct tool in explaining the connection to male social studies educators coaching. Dating back to England when Classics (history) teachers were to influence rugby athletes both on and off the field to help them transform into ‘ideal gentlemen,’ they focused their curriculum around history to aid these future leaders in creating models for their environment and all future endeavors. But the evidence does not stop there, in the Progressive Era of America; basketball became a sport that influenced character building and became a learning (tool) opportunity for democracy. Through this athletes were able to learn sportsmanship and leadership. Through these different era’s men’s role in society is the only one stressed, while the women’s is constantly absent creating a continuous discrepancy that can still be seen today. Masculine presence set the standard for all history and democracy as we know it today. In her article she looks to connect men who both teach social studies and coach but also emphasis women’s miniscule role, looking to revolution that and allow them to take their place in history.

All of these are subjects that Mrs. Stacy’s article expounds on and discovers the reasoning behind it. While this is only the first section of her dissertation, she is working strenuously to complete the next piece to the puzzle. Even though there is no set deadline she feels one must work proficiently to get the product out in a timely manner. After completing the next installment she will then work to tie it all together and her ultimate goal is to create a book. Already having an overabundance of evidence to support her cause it is no question that a book would be the ideal setting to place her findings.

When she is not in the classroom or working on this arduous task of writing she is spending time with her family. Wife and mother to two young girls it is amazing she can balance such a chaotic schedule, but since she is doing what she loves she is able to balance all aspects flawlessly. She explains “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but not until high school did I know what I wanted to teach,” one teacher was able to guide her to her calling. Her Western Civilization history teacher imprinted her so greatly she yearned to do the same for future students. And that is exactly what she does now on a daily basis, working with students at an AP level she both challenges and invokes a deep desire for them to learn about history and its significance. Having started teaching right when she was 22 she has dedicated her life to influencing students and no matter what the future holds she looks forward to staying in the classroom continuing to enrich those students’ lives.

Now, the student body and fellow colleagues wait enthusiastically to see what Mrs. Stacy’s future endeavor holds for her, we know more accolades are undoubtingly in her future. Let Mrs. Stacy’s written work guide you through her research and discover a new perspective to both social studies and the connection to coaching. Next time you’re at an athletic event reflect on history and how it truly impacts you and the arena you find yourself in.