Two Connecticut Teachers Nominated for National Awards

Two Connecticut Teachers Nominated for National Awards

May 3, 2021

Hartford, Conn. – Two Connecticut teachers have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award from National History Day (NHD), for their roles in leading their schools in Connecticut History Day (CHD).

Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history, and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. They will each receive $500 and are in the running for $10,000.

“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students.”

Each NHD affiliate may nominate teachers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. Cook and Collings are the 2021 nominees from Connecticut.

“We are excited to nominate these dedicated educators for special recognition” stated State Coordinator, Rebecca Taber-Conover.

Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.

The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. The winner will be selected by a committee of teachers and historians and announced Saturday, June 19, at the virtual NHD Contest Awards Ceremony.

The CHD State Contest is ongoing. Student projects and content are available on the Connecticut History Day website: historydayct.org/regionalcontestday.html

Results from the CHD State Contest will be announced virtually, 5 p.m. Monday, May 3.

Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.

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