Michelle Rafach, an esteemed educator at Pearl River Central High School in Carriere, has recently been honored with the prestigious title of 2024 Mississippi History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The institute, established in 2004, acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of teachers who are dedicated to enriching American history education for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Each year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History presents an award to a K-12 teacher from every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories. This prestigious award is given in recognition of exceptional teaching skills and dedication to the profession.
According to James G. Basker, the president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute, history teachers hold immense significance in molding students’ perception of the past and instilling optimism for the future. He commends their unwavering commitment to educating the youth and takes immense pride in recognizing the most exceptional educators throughout the nation.
For more than ten years, Michelle Rafach has been teaching history at Pearl River Central High School. Her students know her for her captivating teaching style and unwavering dedication to them. Rafach’s curriculum incorporates original sources and inventive projects, making her lessons all the more fascinating. She is also the proud sponsor of the school’s history club and has arranged many excursions to significant historical landmarks.
According to Pearl River Central High School Principal John Smith, Michelle’s commitment to her students and love for history is unmatched. Her approach of linking historical events to current issues has made history more relevant to her students. Michelle’s passion for teaching has driven her to go the extra mile to ensure that her students are not only well-informed but also motivated to explore further.
Rafach is set to receive an honorarium of $1,000 along with a core archive of American history books and educational materials that have been specially curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Apart from this, she will also be acknowledged at a local ceremony and will join a group of 53 finalists competing for the prestigious 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award.
In the coming fall, the recipient of the national award will be revealed and will be granted a grand prize of $10,000 during a ceremony on October 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club located in New York City.
Discovering the Past with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the study and appreciation of American history. The institute was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, who are both avid collectors of historical documents and artifacts. The organization is dedicated to making American history more accessible and engaging for students, teachers, and the general public alike.
The institute offers a wide range of educational resources and programs, including online exhibitions, teacher seminars, and student contests. It also provides access to a vast collection of primary source documents, such as letters, diaries, maps, and photographs, which can be used to enhance historical research and analysis. Through these initiatives, the institute seeks to foster a deeper understanding of American history and its ongoing relevance in today’s world.
Since its founding, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has become a leading resource for scholars, educators, and history enthusiasts around the world. Its mission to promote the study of American history has inspired countless individuals to explore the past and gain a greater appreciation for the events and ideas that have shaped our nation.
Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman established the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in 1994 as a non-profit organization aimed at promoting K-12 history education as well as serving the general public. The Institute’s primary objective is to enhance the comprehension and awareness of American history through various educational programs and resources.
The Gilder Lehrman Collection, which is an archive in American history, lies at the heart of the Institute. By utilizing the 85,000 documents housed in the collection and collaborating with a wide network of historians, the Institute offers primary source materials to teachers, students, and the general public alike.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a nonprofit public charity operating under 501(c)(3), gratefully acknowledges the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have gained recognition and prestigious awards from various organizations such as 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.
