David Burns is a native of Newport News, Virginia, and is currently a Social Studies teacher and writer in Springfield, Virginia.  As an 18 year classroom veteran at both the high school and middle school levels, he has taught American history, Government, Journalism, and Civics.
    Mr. Burns is a graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A., 1974) and Columbia University (M.S., 1978).  Before becoming an educator, he worked as a reporter and documentary producer for many years at television stations in Virginia and New York.  His reports on government, business, environmental, and other issues have appeared nationally on PBS and CNN.  Mr. Burns is a past winner of the New York State Bar Association's Media Award for journalistic contributions to the administration of justice.

   I would like to thank first the many teachers and other colleagues whose encouragement and suggestions helped make Fasttrack to America's Past a success.  A special thanks goes to Mike Wildasin and other social studies specialists throughout the country for their advice and assistance in moving the project forward.  I am also grateful for the unfailing support shown by my wife Jeanne and our children during the many years of research, writing, and development the work required.