Joseph Feinberg

Joseph Feinberg is a Professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University. His research focuses on experiential learning, including service-learning, simulation games, and civic education. He serves as associate director of the Georgia State Center for Business and Economic Education and as senior advisor and principal investigator for the Atlanta After-School All-Stars.

Feinberg earned his Doctor of Philosophy (2003) and Specialist in Education (1997) in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts in Sociology (1994) from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Industrial Relations (1991) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

His research centers on citizenship education, economic education, and simulation-based pedagogy. He investigates how debriefing in simulation games impacts cognitive and affective learning outcomes, with particular emphasis on urban educational settings. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in civic engagement and teacher development.

Feinberg's publications (2011-2019) reveal consistent innovation in social studies pedagogy, with growing emphasis on digital learning environments and equity-focused teacher development. Key trajectories include virtual history curriculum design, service-learning in multidisciplinary contexts, and critical analysis of professional development for urban educators, demonstrating his commitment to experiential methods across diverse educational landscapes.

His scientific awards include:

• Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from Campbell High School
• Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding Educator Award (2016) from the Georgia Council for the Social Studies

Feinberg secures major grant funding as co-principal investigator for the $7 million Project NURTURE Teacher Residency and principal investigator for Atlanta After-School All-Stars initiatives. His grant work focuses on preparing mathematics specialists for high-need urban schools and expanding experiential learning opportunities through community partnerships.

He actively collaborates with the Georgia State Center for Business and Economic Education, Project NURTURE advisory board, and National Council for Social Studies committees to advance civic education and teacher development through research-practice partnerships.