Mercyhurst Prep-Social Studies Department

Social Studies Department

SOCIAL STUDIES
Name	Email	Telephone Number
Frank Amicucci	famicucci@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2210
Margaret Aste	maste@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2323
Sean Baer	sbaer@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2210
Douglas Bakka	dbakka@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2210
Carla Betti Department Chair	cbetti@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2210
Deborah Kooser	dkooser@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2210
Arthur Martone	amartone@mpslakers.com	(814) 824-2063

Carla Betti,
Social Studies Chair
33 years teaching experience –
33 years at MPS

Completed Project TEACH, a three- year professional development program for American History teachers that included travel to historical sites in Pennsylvania
Taft Institute for Teachers
Traveled to USSR, Germany, Italy, United Nations, Washington DC with students
Cooperating teacher for numerous student teachers and practicum students
Worked with The Gannon Program for Teacher Preparedness
Former Student Government leader, started Laker Day and Touch of Class
Twice named “Teacher of the Year”
Serves on the Western PA Conservancy Steering
Committee for Lake Pleasant Preservation
Member of the National Honor Society for High School Teachers
Former Academic Challenge Coach
Advisor for Women in Motion
Earned grant from Erie Community Foundation
2009 Golden Apple Award winner

Teaching Assignment: Modern American History-H, Modern American History-CP, Americas-H, Erie Experience

Frank Amicucci,
35 years teaching experience –
25 years at MPS

B.A. Gannon University
M.A. Edinboro University
Drivers Safety Teaching Certificate – Indiana University
Varsity Men’s soccer coach 1981-1999
Former Social Studies teacher at Blessed Sacrament School 1974-1979
Principal at Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg – 1980 -1981
Girls J.V. Soccer Coach
Former MPS Social Studies chair

Teaching Assignment: World Cultures-MPS PreIB/H and World Cultures-CP


Margaret Aste, 29 years teaching experience – 29 years at MPS	Principal: June 1998 – present Assistant Principal: June 1996 – 1998 Years at MPS: 1972 – 1976, 1985 – present Saint Mary’s College Undergraduate work: Philosophy and Psychology San Diego State University Graduate work : philosophy Edinboro University of PA Teaching certificate Leadership Erie Taft Institute International Baccalaureate coordinator @ MPS 1986 – 2000 Faculty representative to the MPS Board of Trustees Coordinator of PREVENT program (prevention of & intervention as a result of adolescent suicide) Publications: Prevent booklet 1986 Momentum magazine 1987 Presenter at NCEA/ New Orleans Moderator: MPS Bike club Model United Nations 1972 – 76, 1986 – 2000 PAIU Academic competition 2008 – 10 Teaching Assignment: Psychology

Sean Baer, 6 years teaching experience – 6 years at MPS	B.A. Gannon University Secondary Ed/Social Studies Moderator Student Government and Politics Club J.V. and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach Camp Director Mercyhurst Prep Boys Basketball Camp Class Advisor Chaperone, Ann Ryan Memorial Baltimore Mission Trip Served on a Middle States Accreditation for Growth Team Smart Technology Certification Part-Time Millcreek Township Police Dispatcher Teaching Assignment: Government-CP and Sports & Society

Douglas Bakka, 15 years teaching experience – 15 years at MPS	Finance Degree from John Carroll University and Teaching Certificate from Mercyhurst College International Baccalaureate History teacher Moderator for the History Club and Finance Club Completed Project TEACH, a three- year professional development program for American History teachers that included travel to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Attended “Best Practice” IB Teacher Workshops: Levels I and II in Toronto Interned with PA Historical and Museum Commission – Brig Niagara Graduate course work: Achieving Student Outcomes Through Cooperative Learning and Teaching the Skills of the 21st Century Earned National and National Youth coaching certifications from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coaching Director for the Junior Admirals Soccer Program Assistant Coach for Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer teams Inducted into the Circle of Mercy in 2009 Teaching Assignment: Senior World History-IB and Government-MPS PreIB/H

Deborah Kooser, 33 years teaching experience – 19 years at MPS	Completed Project TEACH, a three- year professional development program for American History teachers that included travel to historical sites in Pennsylvania Cooperating teacher for numerous student teachers and practicum students Student Government moderator Faculty Service Award receipient Spirit Squad moderator IB Social Studies teacher Director of Summer on the Hill program Eucharistic minister at MPS B.A.in Education Began Leadership classes Former member of Diocesan Student Congress Former member of the MPS Board Started the Erie Experience class Teaching Assignment: Psychology, Junior American History-IB, Americas-CP, Leadership, and Current Events

Arthur Martone, Performing Arts Chair 26 years teaching experience – 22 years at MPS	Music Director of the MPS “Little Mary Sunshine ” troupe performance in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2005 Music Director for the 1995 MPS I.T.S. Main stage production of “Nunsense” in Lincoln, Nebraska Stage director and performing member of the Erie Opera Theatre since 1983 Music director/performer at Erie Playhouse since 1986 Assistant conductor for the Erie Chamber Orchestra Has been the music director/conductor for Erie Parks and Recreation Department, the Erie Diocesan Summer Musicals, and the Titusville Summer Theatre Sang as a soloist with the Erie Chamber Orchestra and the Erie Philharmonic Former assistant musical director and head cantor at St. Peter Cathedral Sang National Anthem at numerous professional sporting events 2009 Golden Apple Award winner Teaching Assignment: Civil War and World War II