Social Studies Department

A major goal of the Social Studies Department at Rutherford High School is to help students become effective citizens in a global society through exposure to various courses in American and World History, and studies in contemporary issues, civics, and the social sciences. The Social Studies Department provides a strong curriculum that is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and prepares our students for the challenges of the 21st Century. Students practice skills to enable them to problem solve and become effective communicators. Students learn to think like historians by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. These skills will prepare them to participate in their government and to make informed decisions about the world around them through developing a global awareness. The Social Studies Department is dedicated to taking a student-centered approach to teaching by creating problem based and project based learning activities. Teachers also continue to increase the use of meaningful technology in the classroom.

Social Studies Department Supervisor

Ms. Marisa Yoda, Supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages, received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Albright College in 2001. She came to the Rutherford School District in 2001 as a teacher and coach. Ms. Yoda taught World Cultures, World History, World History Honors, and United States History I and II. She also coached Girls soccer, basketball and softball. Ms. Yoda received a Masters of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University in 2006. She was named district supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages in 2015 and currently teaches Advanced Placement European History.

Classes We Offer