LeeAnn Holt, a Clear Creek Elementary School fourth-grade teacher in Buffalo, is the Wyoming History Teacher of the Year.
Sherry Tavegie, Wyoming state coordinator for Preserve America, at the University of Wyoming, says the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History honors outstanding educators who have at least three years of classroom experience in teaching American history in an elementary school.
To qualify, teachers must have at least three years experience and show commitment and above-average creativity in teaching American history. Holt has taught history the past three years at the elementary level.
"LeeAnn has her students engaged in minds and hands on activities regarding American history. Her commitment to teaching and life makes a profound difference at school and in her community," says Jeanie M. Barent, associate superintendent.
Holt, a Buffalo resident, will receive a $1,000 honorarium and is now eligible for the "National History Teacher of the Year" award. The 2009 national winner will be honored in a fall ceremony in New York City. Clear Creek Elementary's library also will receive a core archive of history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
"These prizes impact not only the winner, but also the school community," Tavegie says.
The History Teacher of the Year Award, which began in 2004, is designed to promote and celebrate the teaching of American history in U.S. classrooms. The honor recognizes one exceptional K-12 teacher of American history from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories.
Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History promotes the study of American history. The institute serves teachers, students, scholars and the public. It helps create history-centered schools, organizes seminars and programs for educators, produces print and electronic publications and traveling exhibitions, sponsors lectures by eminent historians and administers the teacher of the year award through its partnership with Preserve America.
Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009