Whitney Olson
CCSS 2026 ELECTION
At-Large Candidate
Whitney Olson
Bio
Whitney Olson is the founder and CEO of the California Foundation for History Education and Co-Coordinator of National History Day California, a statewide academic program serving roughly 40,000 students across 30 counties. Her work connects her with social studies educators statewide through content supporting historical thinking skills, civic engagement summits, and the largest History Day program in the country. Whitney's CCSS involvement spans more than a decade: serving as a board member from 2015-2018 and from 2020-2025. Her contributions to CCSS include continued conference support since 2017 and, more recently, leading a governance task force. She has also served on the NHD Executive Council of Coordinators, the NCHE board, and as Vice President of the Sonoma County Historical Society. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley, an MA from Pace University, and a secondary teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Whitney is a life-long learner who approaches challenges with big ideas and a drive to build collaborative spaces where educators and leaders can think through them together.
Position Statement
Most of us know what it's like to step back from something we love, whether by choice or by circumstance, and come back to it changed: sharper and better able to see what actually matters. I've lived that rhythm with CCSS itself, moving on and off the Board more than once. Each time I've returned, I brought new perspectives, deeper connections, and a clearer sense of what our members actually need. CCSS has to continually meet the changing landscape of social studies education and the real challenges facing our teachers, who are navigating the impact of AI, misinformation, and shrinking instructional time for social studies altogether. Growth can't just mean more members. It has to mean connecting the corners of this state that don't always feel part of the same conversation, elementary and secondary, rural and urban, new teachers and veterans. I'm seeking this seat to bring my work and experience back to the board conversation about how we grow, adapt, and stay connected to the teachers doing this work every day.
What strengths will I bring to the CCSS Board of Directors?
My non-profit board experience offers in depth and varied perspectives about non-profit organization and work. In addition to previous service with CCSS, I have served on the board of directors for NCHE. I also am the executive director for the California Foundation for History Education. My experience brings both institutional memory and perspective on the challenges facing non-profits, governance, policy, fundraising and budgets. Most recently, I’ve helped with the CCSS governance restructure. As a co-coordinator of California History Day, I work with teachers across California, supporting them with tools to teach historical thinking skills and student voice to their students. My work also requires finding partners, funding, grant writing, and putting together a leadership team to host a 3-day state contest each year. This experience is transferable to the many roles board members need to take on with CCSS, especially with the annual conference. I look forward to the opportunity to strategize with fellow board members on how NHD can more fully support California’s teachers.