Why Backstage?

We’re not here to follow trends: we’re here to build something timeless. I treat my students like partners and the study of history like a craft. Every session is an opportunity to move beyond the script, helping ideas come to life through investigation and rigorous analysis. Whether we are deconstructing a complex era or mastering the technical skills needed for a 5 on the APUSH exam, we are building a foundation of understanding that is both meaningful and enduring.

Beyond the Textbook

My approach is guided by the words of James Baldwin: “American history is longer, larger, more various, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it.” I believe history is a living production rather than a static script. This is why I focus on collaborative, non-competitive coaching that empowers students to look behind the scenes. From my time at the Oakland School for the Arts to working with students nationwide, my goal remains the same: to provide the expert "backstage" access needed to turn academic challenges into a narrative that truly sticks.