Eric Cochran brings social studies curriculum to life, employing documents, photographs and other artifacts to make content fun, fresh and relevant. He routinely employs technology to give students a virtual learning experience and incorporates pop-culture elements that emphasize relevant points in history and government.
In his first year at Lindbergh, 140 more students took the Advanced Placement test. “Nearly every student in his AP class passes the exam by the end of the year,” a colleague says. Another notes a 200 percent increase in test takers and a 70 percent passage rate. And a record number of students score 4’s and 5’s on the AP U.S. History exam.
A significant nod to his expertise, Cochran reached department chair status in only five years. He also helped shift Lindbergh’s academics toward a global focus through his work aligning 6-12 curricula. Additionally, he has assumed many campus and district leadership posts, including the Academic Council, Curriculum Committee, District AP Vertical Team and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council. Cited as a stalwart leader when kids and parents are polled, he also serves as a member of the Lindbergh Schools Budget Reduction Committee and helped the district cut $5 million from the budget--one example of his willingness to tackle difficult challenges.
