Wetumpka Middle School Teacher Bridges Generational Gaps Through History Education A Wetumpka Middle School social studies teacher, Pierson Lett, works to help younger students understand the impact of recent history, including 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, and contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence and media literacy. With a background in teaching, youth ministry, and community involvement, Lett uses storytelling and current events to empower students to become engaged citizens. In the spring of 2024 the world marks the quarter‑century anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For many, the memory of that day is a long‑held narrative of tragedy and resilience. For a younger generation, that history is taught through headlines, documentaries, and brief classroom lessons. In Wetumpka, Alabama, a middle school social studies teacher named Pierson Lett is choosing a different approach. Lett teaches 7th and 8th grade at Wetumpka Middle School and takes on additional roles that bring him into constant contact with his students outside the classroom. He serves as the yearbook adviser, a contemporary issues instructor, a baseball coach, and a youth pastor at a nearby church.When asked why he is so passionate about history, Lett says, "I love working with students. I love the story of history, which is why I like newspapers and current events, and all that. I like the politics of it." He emphasizes how important it is for students to be able to discuss events that shaped society. He acknowledges that there is a generational gap. Many of his ninth‑grade students were only five or six years old when they experienced COVID‑19 school closures, and even those who were older in middle school may not have the same contextual memory as he did. Lett comments that some of his students "will not remember the pandemic the way I did." To narrow this gap, he focuses on connecting past and present, encouraging conversations about how past decisions, propaganda, and government policy still influence modern life. His lessons extend to contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence and media literacy. He believes that if students do not learn how to navigate news sources and social media, they may be absent from voting circles and civic discussions. Lett's efforts are rooted in his own background.He grew up in Eclectic, Alabama, graduated from Elmore County High School in 2020, and earned a degree from Auburn University. Since beginning his teaching career, he has striven to infuse storytelling into the curriculum. He reflects, "The kids are great, and the future is bright, and as long as we keep pouring back into these students, then we're on a good path." By exploring the significance of events like the September 11 attacks and the social changes wrought by the pandemic, he prepares his students to be thoughtful, informed citizens. Outside the school, Lett's work as a youth pastor anchors him in community service, further reinforcing the importance of civic engagement. Through his dual roles, he demonstrates how historical knowledge and contemporary understanding can translate into community leadership.In a region that often faces economic and social challenges, his approach provides a model for educators seeking to make history relevant. Keyword: educatio