Congratulations to Matthew Gresick sho has been named the 2020 Maryland History Teacher of the Year, an award sponsored by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Created in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one exceptional K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and US Territories.
A “National History Teacher of the Year” will be selected from this list of state winners and honored at a ceremony in New York City. Past presenters at the ceremony include First Lady Laura Bush, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Mr. Gresick, a former history teacher in Wicomico county currently serves as a social studies teacher at Reservoir High school in Howard county where he is also the Lead Professional Development Liaison. He will receive a $1,000 honorarium and future opportunities to be recognized.
It’s been observed of Matthew that,
Beyond his natural ability to connect with and encourage his students thought process, Matt’s lessons were frequently creatively designed hands on or object lessons. In Matt Gresick, we have a history teacher who is a renaissance man. He knows he must have a background that allows him to see a more complete arc of what he is teaching so he can anticipate and guide. He is constantly expanding this background, through study and experience. There is virtually no subject he does not seek to be fluent on and be able to use to expand his students’ world view. And he is always improving and polishing his classroom technique. He is a history teacher of the year – every year. (Eric Ebersole, Deputy Majority Whip, MD Legislative District 12)
About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a New York–based national nonprofit devoted to the teaching and learning of American history. Gilder Lehrman draws on top scholars, an unparalleled collection of original historical documents, and a national network of Affiliate Schools to create and provide a broad range of innovative resources, help new generations of students learn about American history in a way that is engaging and memorable, and promote critical thinking and excellent writing. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment of the Humanities, and the Organization of American Historians.
Nominations can be made by a student, parent, colleague, supervisor, or other administrator familiar with the teacher’s work. To be considered for the 2021 award, teachers must be nominated by February 1, 2021. For more information, visit www.gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.