Amanda Jessee’s fifth-grade students at Westwood View are now officially being taught by the best American History teacher in the state.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History named Jessee 2011’s Kansas History Teacher of the Year earlier this summer, a distinction that automatically made her eligible for the National History Teacher of the Year competition.
Jessee received the honor after an extensive application process. To recognize the distinction, the institute awarded her $1,000, a trip to a summer history conference, and extra history resources for her classroom.
“The recognition is so deserved,” said Westwood View principal Susan Knight in a story on the district’s website. “She works hard to make American History come alive for students.”
The Gilder Lehrman Institute will announce its national History Teacher of the Year later this fall.