Steve Cwodzinski’s first book, Beyond the Lesson Plan, is a compilation of motivational stories based on his life experiences and his career as a high school American Government and American History teacher. Cwodzinski got the inspiration for his book from the 12,000 students he taught, and learned from, during his 33 year career. During his teaching days, he stressed the importance of civic duty, political efficacy, and leaving the world a little bit better than we found it. He put all the “non-curriculum” things he tried to teach his students into 33 chapters, each based on 33 questions that he would pose to his students in order for them to “Figure It Out.” Upon retirement, he ran for public office, winning a seat in the Minnesota State Senate.