Derek A. Griffin is a third-year PhD candidate specializing in education policy history with a special interest in its development in Tennessee in the mid-twentieth century. Griffin received his bachelors in history and masters in teacher education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Griffin worked in the classroom as a high school teacher for ten years serving multiple roles including lead teacher, history department chair, and student government sponsor.

Due to his experience in the classroom and interest in current curriculum development, Griffin is interested in researching the history of the creation or required curricula in the state of Tennessee focusing both on policy history and cultural shifts that led to this historical development. Griffin hopes to utilize his experiences and education to further the development of history curriculum in the state.

Research Interests: Education, Policy, Curriculum History, The American South, African-American History, 20th Century United States History