Christopher Klugman
Educator
Teacher of the Year Finalist • BASIS Scottsdale • Scottsdale, Arizona
A graduate told Christopher Klugman that a comment on a test helped him choose public policy. Klugman had noticed the student’s interest and encouraged him to pursue it. He looks for those opportunities as he teaches ninth-grade AP U.S. Government at BASIS Scottsdale.
“You have to have that base of knowledge in order to then go do the amazing things,” Klugman says. His students read the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Federalist Papers closely, compare Supreme Court decisions, and write arguments about how government works.
He also coaches mock congressional debate and introduced a civics capstone course. Students return to constitutional questions in greater depth by researching, drafting, and revising their answers before practicing how to present them. Klugman points students toward civic essay contests and other opportunities to pursue an interest beyond class.
His own experience as a state representative’s assistant shapes an assignment in which students form simulated interest groups and write to elected officials. He was inspired by receiving letters from BASIS Scottsdale students while working in the legislature. Now he helps his own students make their case to a representative.
