Jerald Hensler, 10th grade global social studies teacher at LaSalle School in Albany, has won the 2010 National History Day Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award for New York State. The award recognizes outstanding National History Day teachers at both the state and national level. Criteria for the award include classroom experience with National History Day with preference given to teachers working with an “at risk” population, a documented commitment to student-led historical research, and evidence of creativity in the classroom that exceeds expected participation in the National History Day program.National History Day, which is sponsored in New York State by the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown, is the nation’s leading program for history education in the schools. The program annually engages over half a million students across the nation, and about 10,000 in New York State. Students research history topics of their choice related to an annual theme and create exhibits, documentaries, performances, papers and web sites, which they may enter in competitions at the regional, state, and national levels.
Hensler brought the National History Day program to LaSalle School in 2007. Founded in 1854 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers to serve abandoned and orphaned boys, La Salle School has developed into a multi-faceted human services agency. LaSalle schools serves boys in grades 6-12 who have social or emotional needs or who have been referred by the court system. Most of the students come from urban “high needs” schools and are at great risk of not graduating high school.
“Many of our students have never experienced any level of academic success,” noted Hensler in his nomination letter. “Once the students make the choice to participate in History Day, they are quickly surprised by their successes and their confidence in their academic abilities increases exponentially.”
Dr. Richard M. Medved, Assistant Director of Education for Curriculum and Instruction at LaSalle School, said, “Mr. Hensler is an energetic, competent, creative teacher who encourages and inspires his students. For [his students] to take an idea and to follow it through to a formal presentation in front of a set of judges and hundreds of visitors who ask challenging and thought-provoking questions is truly remarkable and a testament to Mr. Hensler’s supportive, encouraging, and skillful mentoring.”
Tobi Voigt, State Coordinator for the National History Day program in New York encouraged Hensler to apply for the award. “Jerry’s success with National History Day has been nothing short of amazing. He has used the program to increase his students’ knowledge of historical events and time periods and to help them build research and analysis skills. Their literacy skills have increased measurably; they have learned to express themselves clearly and concisely; and they have discovered how to think critically about their world. Most importantly, the students’ have realized that they are smart and have a voice that deserves to be heard.”
The New York State award includes a $500 cash prize. Hensler is now in contention for the national award, which will be selected from among the state awardees and announced during the 2010 National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland on Thursday, June 17. The national winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
For more information on New York State History Day or the 2010 Patricia Behring Award, e-mail the Tobi Voigt at nyshistoryday@nysha.org, or visit the New York State History Day web site at www.nyshistoryday.org.
*Photo credit: Hensler meets with members of the LaSalle Student Senate, which he cofounded with history teacher Allan Landau in 2009. Photo courtesy of LaSalle School*
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