Cd'A history teacher wins state award

Coeur d'Alene High School teacher Colin Donovan has been named the 2022 Idaho History Teacher of the Year.

This award is annually presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.

Coeur d’Alene High School Principal Mike Randles said Donovan has earned the respect and admiration of students, colleagues and the Viking community at large.

"His passion for history fuels an uncommon level of interest and engagement among his students," Randles said. "His ability to breathe life into the past affords Coeur d’Alene High School students a vantage of history that few experience, ultimately giving rise to not only informed citizens, but critical thinkers who understand the link between the past and present.”

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories.

“Knowledgeable and impassioned teachers bring our country's history to life for students, allowing them to understand engaging with history is about more than a series of facts,” said James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “Teachers are the lifeblood of our students’ education, and these are the best of the best.”

Donovan received his bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University in 2010 and earned a master’s degree in American history from Arizona State University this year. He loves teaching the complex and inspiring stories of American history and believes that building a nuanced understanding of this subject for his students will prepare them to be responsible citizens.

Donovan works to create relationships of trust and respect with his students while cultivating critical thinking and communication skills. He is supported in these endeavors by his family, friends and the entire Coeur d’Alene community.

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Donovan will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials and recognition at a local ceremony in his honor. He is now one of 53 finalists for the 2022 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

The winner of this year’s National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in October. Past presenters of the award include the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Robin Roberts of "Good Morning America," former first lady Laura Bush, former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Nominations for the 2023 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues and supervisors may visit gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy to nominate K-12 teachers for the award. The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The institute is the leading nonprofit dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.