Bringing History to Life:
Coatesville Teacher Earns National Recognition
For Joseph Tassoni, history isn’t just something to be studied—it’s something to be experienced. Whether he’s guiding students through primary source documents, leading field trips to historic sites, or preparing them for the rigor of competition, Tassoni brings the past to life in his Coatesville Area Senior High School classroom. Now, that dedication has earned him national recognition.
Tassoni has been named a finalist for the National History Day (NHD) Teacher of the Year award, representing Pennsylvania in the senior division. The award, presented annually by the nonprofit organization National History Day, honors educators who inspire students through historical inquiry, research, and project-based learning.
For the past five years, Tassoni has played a key role in the NHD program at Coatesville through his Historic Research & Preservation course. Students in his class explore history by creating in-depth research projects that align with an annual theme, competing at regional, state, and even national levels. Under his mentorship, dozens of students have advanced in competition, including two who reached the national stage in 2021.
A Lifelong Passion for History and Teaching
Tassoni’s love for history started at home. Growing up in Norristown, he was fascinated by his father’s passion for history documentaries and family stories about his grandfathers' service in World War II. That early exposure shaped his future. He attended Upper Merion High School before earning a history degree while playing football at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
“I decided to major in history and teaching during my sophomore year of college when I realized I wanted to work with and help people,” Tassoni shared. “I was really lucky to be able to come to Coatesville at such a young age.”
Since joining Coatesville Area Senior High School 17 years ago, Tassoni has not only taught history but has also served as the Social Studies Department Head for the past decade. Over the years, he has worked to make history more interactive and engaging, believing that traditional lectures alone are not enough to capture students’ interest.
Bringing History to Life in the Classroom
Tassoni knows that not every student naturally connects with history, so he uses hands-on learning to spark curiosity. His students don’t just read about historical events—they research them, analyze primary and secondary sources, and construct their own historical arguments.
“It can be difficult to get students excited to learn history,” he said. “My enthusiasm for learning history can only go so far in engaging students. Having them work and learn in a hands-on way, with topics they choose, helps to bring historical topics to life.”
Field trips are another key component of his teaching philosophy. He takes students to historical sites and museums to immerse them in the past.
“I love how comfortable of an environment Mr. Tassoni has created,” said Coatesville junior Gloria Kasitz. “He also provides us with the opportunity to go on so many field trips to learn new things. We never go to the same place twice.”
Tassoni is about to chaperone 33 history students on a trip to Florence and Rome, where students will be visiting several museums, taking a cooking class in Florence, and touring the Vatican and Colosseum. In 2023, he led students on a trip to England that included tours in London and Stone Henge.
Tassoni credits his own teachers and coaches for shaping his approach in the classroom.
“I had so many great teachers and coaches that guided me and acted as role models,” he said. “I think about the positive experiences and encouragement they provided me, but also how they held me accountable when I slacked. I use those experiences to guide my approach to relationship-building and teaching.”
Recognizing Today’s Students and Looking to the Future
Through years of working with young historians, Tassoni has been consistently impressed by the ingenuity of today’s students.
“Kids today are extremely creative. It never ceases to amaze me how they generate some really original ideas that are so unique and well developed,” he said.
This year’s 2025 NHD projects were based on the themes of Rights and Responsibilities. Projects focused on issues like Women’s Rights in Afghanistan, Miranda Rights in the U.S, Title IX, the Indian Removal Act, and the aftermath of Nazi medical experiments.
As Coatesville students prepared for the competition, Tassoni focused on what matters he says matters most in his work: fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a love of history.
The NHD Teacher of the Year winners—one middle school and one high school educator—will be announced in June 2025, with each receiving a $5,000 award. Regardless of the outcome, Tassoni’s recognition as a finalist highlights his passion for history education and his lasting impact on students.