Jeff Swisher
I have spent my career at the intersection of education, history, and technology, building learning experiences that help students move beyond memorizing information and toward exploring, creating, questioning, and doing.
Biography
Where history, teaching, and technology meet
Jeff Swisher is an educator and technology professional with a lifelong interest in American history, computer science, and the use of technology to create stronger learning experiences. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and a Master of Arts in American History from Purdue University. He also studied Computer Science, with an Artificial Intelligence track, and Mathematics at Taylor University, where he was part of the National Team Pascal Programming Champions in 1987.
His teaching experience has included work with School City of Hammond, East Porter County School Corporation, and Griffith Public Schools. Across those settings, he has taught courses in American history, government, current events, robotics, electronics, and computer science.
Beyond the classroom, Jeff has coached academic and robotics teams, supported student competition programs, and led projects designed to give students authentic opportunities to apply what they learn. His work has consistently blended content knowledge with simulations, technology, inquiry, and hands-on experiences.
In 2020, he founded Animated History, a project focused on bringing history to life through interactive digital resources. Projects have included tools exploring the New Deal, World War II, landmark Supreme Court cases, and other topics in American history and government.
Jeff’s professional background also includes director-level technology positions at Focus Hospitality Services and Dunn Solutions Group, where his work included the implementation and management of technology solutions and resources. That experience continues to influence how he approaches classroom technology, digital curriculum, and problem solving.
His publishing work includes co-authoring Borland JBuilder Developer’s Guide, serving as an editor for American Government For Dummies, and authoring Cold War Indiana, scheduled for release by The History Press in 2026. His work has also appeared in books, articles, and educational resources connected with organizations including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, and Prentice Hall. He has served in leadership roles with the Indiana Council for the Social Studies and participated in education initiatives with the Indiana Department of Education.
Areas of Work
A career built across three connected fields
The common thread is using strong content, thoughtful design, and technology to help people learn, solve problems, and engage more deeply.
Teaching & Student Experiences
History, government, computer science, robotics, simulations, academic competitions, project-based learning, and authentic student work.
Research & Public History
American history, local history, interactive historical resources, historical writing, and projects that connect communities with the past.
Programming & Systems
Software, data, technology implementation, educational tools, artificial intelligence, and the practical use of technology to improve learning.
Books & Publishing
Published work
Books and publishing projects spanning technology, government, and American history.
Borland JBuilder Developer’s Guide
Co-authored with Michael Landy and Saleem Siddiqui and published by Sams. The book provides an in-depth guide to Java development using Borland JBuilder.
American Government For Dummies
Served as an editor for the 2025 edition of American Government For Dummies, published by Wiley and written by Marcus A. Stadelmann.
Cold War Indiana
Author of Cold War Indiana, a history of Indiana’s role in the Cold War, including military installations, defense industries, research, civil defense, and the people and communities shaped by the nuclear age.
Forthcoming from The History Press in 2026.
Recognition
Awards & professional recognition
Teaching & Education
- Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year
- Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Indiana History Teacher of the Year
- NWI Times Teaching Award
- Amazon Future Engineer Award
Technology & Training
- Borland Trainer of the Year
- BusinessObjects Trainer of the Year
Technology Background
Professional certifications
A sampling of technology certifications represented on the original biography page.
Resources
Presentations & downloads
Selected professional development and classroom technology resources.
In the News
Articles & features
Interested in working together?
For professional development, speaking, educational collaboration, or general questions, use one of the options below.
