Hilltop Happenings
The Gilder Lehrman Institute Names Rhonan Mokriski as 2024 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year
The distinguished history educator is one of 53 finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award, set to receive a $1,000 prize and an invaluable collection of classroom resources
Salisbury, CT – July 29, 2024 – Rhonan Mokriski, a teacher at Salisbury School in Salisbury, has been named the 2024 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education.
Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, this award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories.
“In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future,” says James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”
Rhonan is entering his 29th year of teaching at his alma mater, Salisbury School. Driven by the belief that learning history requires connection and authenticity, he created a course called Coloring Our Past, which empowers students as historians to apply research, creativity, collaboration, writing, storytelling, and production skills to recover and share stories of forgotten or marginalized people and events. In 2021, he partnered with the historic Troutbeck in Amenia, New York, to create the Troutbeck Symposium – an annual student-led collaborative effort of public and independent schools that gives students a platform to share these stories with their community.
“Rhonan exemplifies the student-centered approach to teaching. He empowers his students to not just learn history, but produce authentic and original work of their own, and helps them develop the skills to grapple with challenging subjects and navigate a complex modern media landscape. His passion for history and learning have made him an invaluable teacher, mentor, and colleague for countless Salisbury students and teachers over the years.” – Anthony Mantegani, History Department Chair, Salisbury School
Mr. Mokriski will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Additionally, he will be recognized at a local ceremony and join the esteemed group of 53 finalists contending for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award.
The national award winner will be announced later this fall, and they will take home a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on Oct. 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City.
About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 85,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with access to unique primary source materials.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.
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