Bio

David Palmer is a longtime geography educator, AP Human Geography consultant, and textbook author with more than 25 years of experience teaching students, undergraduates, and educators. He currently teaches Human Geography, World Regional Geography and Physical Geography at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs and previously taught Social Studies at Eaglecrest High School in the Cherry Creek School District. During his time at Eaglecrest, he taught AP Human Geography, World Geography, World History, Economics, Government, and U.S. History. Each year, nearly 200 students in grades 9–12 take AP Human Geography at Eaglecrest High School.

David is a College Board Consultant, Colorado Geographic Alliance Teacher Consultant, and recipient of the 2012 National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) Distinguished Geography Teacher Award. He has served as a Table Leader and Question Leader during the scoring of AP Human Geography exams and has taught and presented at institutes and conferences throughout the United States, China, India, Thailand, and Japan.

He is the lead author and senior consultant for the widely used AMSCO Human Geography: AP Edition textbook (Perfection Learning). His professional work focuses on geographic thinking, spatial analysis, and helping students learn to “do geography,” not simply study geography. He is passionate about helping students and teachers better understand the patterns, processes, and connections that shape our world.

David earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, a master’s degree from Colorado Christian University, and additional graduate coursework from the University of Northern Colorado.

Personally, I see myself first and foremost as a lifelong learner and educator. I have been fortunate to teach, travel, and learn alongside talented colleagues and students in many remarkable places around the world. Whether working with high school students, undergraduates, or teachers during professional development institutes, my goal has always been to help others grow in confidence, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them. I am especially grateful for the support of my wife and two children, who have encouraged my passion for teaching, exploration, and geography education.