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In order to help connect teachers to other teachers using National History Day, the Master Teacher
Network highlights educators around the state that use the program in different ways.
Teacher: Connie Miller
Private School
Urban
National History Day is a required class assignment and integrated into the curriculum.
Contact Connie Miller.
Teacher Insights
What do you see as the benefits of participating in History Day with your students?
The benefits of participating in the History Day competition are great. The preparation can be geared to
any kind of student, whether gifted or average. It allows students to research a topic they are genuinely
interested in, and the process teaches many research skills as well as critical thinking skills. Each student
ends up with a real sense of accomplishment when their project is finished and they present it before judges.
What would you tell teachers that are either new to the program or are considering getting involved?
I jumped into it my first year of teaching with 17 students. Although it required extra time on my part, it
was very invigorating and challenging for me as a teacher. For those who feel their workload is too heavy to
incorporate it into the curriculum, a good way to start would be a History Club, and begin learning the
process with just a few students. Once a teacher goes through the process once, he/she will then have a
better idea of how to fit it into their schedule.
Do you have any exceptional History Day stories?
The people my students have had a chance to interview as part of the research process have been extraordinary. They’ve included veterans, lawyers, judges, senators, and many others. It can be a remarkable experience for students.
Teacher: Sr. Mary Aloyse Gerhardstein
Private School
Urban
National History Day is a required class assignment and integrated into the curriculum.
Contact Sr. Mary Aloyse Gerhardstein.
Teacher Insights
What do you see as the benefits of participating in History Day with your students?
History Day gives me an excellent opportunity to present to the students:
-how to do historical research
-the difference between primary and
secondary sources
-the importance of primary sources
-how to write an annotated bibliography
-the need to present a paper and
bibliography as perfect as possible
-how to conduct an interview
-how to defend a statement
-how to work in a group
-the opportunity to participate in a
statewide/national activity
What would you tell teachers that are either new to the program or are considering getting involved?
-Start the project early - especially
choosing a topic.
-Understand that a great deal of extra,
after school time is involved, but it's
worth it.
-Involve the parents early - make sure
they know the topic chosen, they will
need to help transport students to
research sites, museums, libraries.
Teacher: Amanda Ammer
Public School
Suburban
National History Day is an extra curricular activity that is voluntary for students.
Contact Amanda Ammer.
Teacher Insights
What do you see as the benefits of participating in History Day with your students?
I see that the benefits of History Day are that students can make choices to explore something in history and the current world that genuinely interests them and fits their ability level. Students also have the opportunity to create an authentic product for and authentic audience.
What would you tell teachers that are either new to the program or are considering getting involved?
Just get your feet wet and let the students lead as much as possible. Provide them with the structure they need to stay on task and on target and allow them to learn what true research is like.
Do you have any exceptional History Day stories?
I had several students who participated in this optional program year after year, just because they enjoyed it.
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