The Ashbrook Center at Ashland University is proud to announce the 2012 Ohio History Teacher of the Year award. Part of the National History Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, HISTORY™, and Preserve America, the 2012 Ohio History Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding teachers of American history in Ohio's secondary schools. This year's winner will be recognized with a $1000 award, a certificate of recognition, the opportunity to attend a Gilder Lehrman summer seminar, and the presentation of a collection of historical and educational materials for the winner's school. The winner will become a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year Award.
This year's award is for teachers of grades 7 through 12. Nominees should be full-time middle, junior high, or senior high educators who teach American history (including state and local history) as one of the subjects they are responsible for in the classroom. Nominees should have at least three years of classroom experience teaching American history in a secondary school. Nominees may be from public or private schools.
To choose the winner, the state selection committee will consider the following criteria:
- Evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom that addresses literacy and content beyond state standards.
- A demonstrated commitment to teach American history (including state and local history).
- Effective use of primary documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories, and other primary resources to engage students with American history.
- Thoughtful assessment of student achievement and progress.
The 2012 award is for middle and high school teachers ONLY. The 2013 award will be open to teachers of grades K through 6.
Nominations must be received by Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Nominations may be made by a department or division head, social studies curriculum director, principal, superintendent, student, parent, colleague, or another education professional familiar with the teacher's work. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Nominations MUST be made online at the website of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. The nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee and a short statement indicating why the nominee is an outstanding teacher of American history. Please DO NOT send written nominations to the Ashbrook Center office.
Nominees will be contacted by email and will be invited to submit supporting materials to the Gilder Lehrman office to be considered for the Ohio award.
For more information, please contact the Ashbrook Center by phone at (419) 289-5608 or by email cpascarella@ashbrook.org.
If you are not from Ohio, but are interested in nominating someone from your own state, visit the Gilder Lehrman Institute's national contest page for more information.