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A statewide professional organization of social studies educators has named Albany High School's Sean Fitzsimons a 2024 Outstanding Social Studies Classroom Teacher.

for the Social Studies presented Fitzsimons with the award at its annual conference March 8.

Fitzsimons teaches Global History 10 and Advanced Placement Government and Politics at Albany High, where he started teaching in 2015.

“Social studies is critically important for creating healthy communities and empowered individuals,” Fitzsimons said. “Young people – all people – need to learn lessons from history. We need to understand how to navigate shifting political and social landscapes, and we need to have the critical thinking skills that a social studies discipline provides if we are to succeed in this world.”

Fitzsimons wears many hats in addition to his teaching role. He chairs Albany High’s Social Studies Department, and is on both the school Building Leadership Team and the Secondary Grading and Attendance Policy Committee. He also has a score of honors and recognitions, including being a recipient of the City School District of Albany Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award.

In addition, he serves on the board of the Albany Fund for Education, and is a member of the Albany County League of Women Voters and of the local, state and national chapters of the Council for the Social Studies.

He earned a bachelor’s in political science and international relations from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for secondary social studies from George Mason University in Virginia.

“I’m so grateful for this honor,” Fitzsimons said.