“Lesson Plans for ‘The 5000 Year Leap’” was created by Mr. Paul Palmisano of Life Academy Ministries in Monument, Colorado.
Mr. Palmisano has over thirty years of teaching experience, and over twenty-five years of experience with at-risk students. He founded and ran a program serving over-age male dropouts for the NYC Board of Education where he taught every subject. He has been teaching history and American government since 1989. Mr. Palmisano holds degrees from Queens College, CUNY, and Brooklyn College. His undergraduate degree is in Biology. He earned a Master of Science degree in Science Education and an Advanced Certification in School Administration and Supervision. Mr. Palmisano was named the Athlete Scholar of his college graduating class, lettering in both basketball and lacrosse.
Mr. Palmisano became a modern-day minuteman on September 11, 2001, when our country was attacked by terrorists. He left the safety of his school on Fort Tilden, NY, borrowed turn-out gear from a local volunteer fire department which was not responding to the emergency at that time, traveled alone toward the flaming towers, and arrived at Ground Zero twenty minutes after the second World Trade Center tower fell.
Though untrained as a rescue worker, he was not unprepared for the challenge. He credits his faith in Jesus Christ for giving him the courage to do what needed to be done. "I knew Jesus' death on the cross paid for my sins and I'd accepted Him as my Savior. Because of that, I knew for sure that if I died down there, I'd be going to meet Him in Heaven." Mr. Palmisano had been memorizing the 23rd Psalm with his young son. The verses he'd committed to memory flooded his mind hour after hour, day after day, as he participated in the rescue effort, first helping survivors find shelter and medical help, then working on the smoldering pile of rubble.
This “defining moment” in his personal history has impelled Mr. Palmisano to systematically teach the Founding Principles of the United States to his students and to encourage respect for—and love of—this country to all who will join him in defending it.
In 2005, Mr. Palmisano established Life Academy in Monument, Colorado—a Christian, alternative school to serve middle and high school students in a mixed-age, multi-disciplinary classroom.
The “Lesson Plans for ‘The 5000 Year Leap’” curriculum is written to Colorado State Educational Standards. A conservative Christian worldview permeates the entire curriculum.
“Lesson Plans for ‘The 5000 Year Leap’” was edited by:
· Mr. Keith Grauman--
Mr. Grauman is a master teacher with 39 years of experience in teaching and academic leadership. A graduate of UCLA, Mr. Grauman taught in the Vista (CA) Unified School District. Mr. Grauman is a committed follower of Christ who volunteers in many Gospel-bearing humanitarian and educational ministries around the world.
· Vice Admiral Terrance Etnyre, USN Ret.--
VADM Etnyre’s distinguished Naval career culminated with command of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In addition to being a decorated veteran, VADM Etnyre is a sincere Christian who uses his many gifts spread the Gospel and bring honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.
