Derek Frieling, history teacher at Lafayette High School, has been nominated for the 2021 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award of the National History Day (NHD) National Contest.
National History Day recognizes teachers for their outstanding work and dedication to their students. According to Cathy Gorn, Executive Director of NHD, “Mr. Frieling has demonstrated a commitment to engaging his students in historical learning through innovative uses of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in National History Day. Mr. Frieling is a leading example for his peers and invaluable resource for his students.”
Frieling is the LHS Social Studies Department Chair and Academic Team Sponsor. He teaches AP European History, Dual Credit American History and World History.
The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians. The winners will be announced on June 19, 2021 at the National History Day Contest. All nominees receive $500 and the national winners receive $10,000.
Teachers play an integral role in helping their students prepare for the annual contest where 3,000 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and international schools in China, Korea and South Asia gather at the University of Maryland compete at the National Contest. The 2020-21 theme is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.
Congratulations, Mr. Frieling!