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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Dedicated to Making History Engaging
At Stallings Island Middle School in Martinez, Georgia, David Cato has earned recognition for his innovative approach to teaching Social Studies. Focusing on 8th-grade Georgia history, Cato is committed to bringing the subject matter to life for his students and helping them build a strong academic foundation.
A Comprehensive Georgia History Curriculum
David Cato structures his curriculum around twelve key standards. "We start with geography because you have to know how the map shapes the whole rest of history. Then we go all the way from the Native Americans to Jimmy Carter," he explains. By laying out the broad scope of Georgia's past from its earliest peoples to the modern era, Cato ensures students gain a thorough understanding of both local and state history as it fits within the wider social studies framework.
Connecting with Middle Schoolers
Teaching middle schoolers can be challenging, especially when trying to engage them with topics from the distant past. Cato recognizes this, saying, "Middle Schoolers are all about the here and now, what’s cool and hip." To keep students interested, he infuses lessons with humor and sarcasm—admitting, "Yeah, I’m cool and hip. I use sarcasm, even though teachers aren’t supposed to be that way. And I try to use humor. I don’t know if they think I’m funny or not. I think I am." His teaching methods are designed to promote strong student engagement and make the classroom environment relatable and enjoyable.
Personalizing Education for Lasting Impact
Cato shares stories from his own family's history, making abstract concepts more tangible for his students. This approach helps bridge the gap between textbook material and real life, giving students a more relevant context for what they are learning. "I peaked in middle school a little bit. And I think deep down inside I’m still a little bit of a middle school-age person," Cato shares, emphasizing his ability to connect with adolescent students and understand the challenges they face in their formative years.
Fostering Growth and Life Skills Beyond the Classroom
David Cato views his role as more than just imparting historical facts. "I think my job is not just to teach Social Studies," he says. "It’s especially to get them ready for high school. When they get to Lakeside, I want them to be proud of the kids that we send them." Cato prioritizes the development of life skills, aiming to help students become responsible, reflective individuals. He encourages them to make good choices both inside and outside the classroom, preparing them not only for academic success but also for adulthood.
Building an Academic Foundation for the Future
Through his dedication and relatable teaching style, David Cato ensures that students leave his classroom with a solid understanding of Georgia history and the confidence to take on new challenges in high school. His commitment to education, student engagement, and life skills makes him a role model among educators, and his recognition with the Golden Apple award highlights the impact he has on the students and the Stallings Island Middle School community.
Source: wjbf.com.
