The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and Preserve America announce the sixth annual Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award, which honors outstanding teachers of American history across the country. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, founded in 1994, promotes the study and love of American history. Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve America’s historic, cultural, and natural heritage.
The 2009 History Teacher of the Year Award, under the direction of Preserve America, will recognize an outstanding elementary educator and the crucial importance of American history education in grades K-6. All elementary teachers who have the responsibility for teaching American history are eligible for nomination. Finalists are selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories. These winners, in turn, become finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year. The national honoree is recognized as the National Preserve America History Teacher of the Year at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., or New York City.
Attached is the Preserve America 2009 Award Information and Application Procedure sheet. An informal letter of nomination may be e-mailed by March 30, 2009, to Sheree Baird, State Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education, at sheree.baird@arkansas.gov. Any person with first-hand knowledge of the teacher’s credentials may submit an informal nomination, highlighting why the educator should seek a formal nomination and apply for this award. Upon receiving informal nominations, prospective applicants will be contacted to submit all first-round nomination information. All first-round additional materials necessary for consideration must be received no later than April 20, 2009. All second-round additional materials necessary for consideration must be received no later than May 11, 2009. Mail all information to the State Coordinator, Sheree Baird, Arkansas Department of Education, Curriculum, Assessment and Research, Four Capitol Mall, Room 202-A, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Additional information may be obtained at www.gilderlehrman.org.