Angel Tari, history teacher at Overland Trail Middle School in Brighton, is surprised in her classroom by representatives from the Colorado Department of Education and 27J Schools. Ms. Tari was selected as Colorado’s 2022 History Teacher of the Year.
Teaching the past to shape the future
History class is about more than the past. Learning about history helps us understand our modern world and grapple with complex questions by looking at how the people before us succeeded, failed, and challenged the status quo of their times.
This year, Angel Tari from Overland Trail Middle School was recognized as the Colorado History Teacher of the Year. Through her class, Ms. Tari advocates for her students to use their understanding of how our country has evolved to inform their participation in society.
“I hope these lessons will one day motivate them to be active in their role as members of our society and government,” Angel Tari said.
Angel Tari (center) poses for a quick photo with Overland Trail Middle School’s Assistant Principal Christy Meredith (left) and Principal Eric Lambright (right).
Ms. Tari was recognized because she goes above and beyond to provide students opportunities to find this understanding through interactive lessons, guest speakers, visiting exhibits, and an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC.
Since 2004, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has awarded exemplary American history teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools in all fifty states the State History Teacher of the Year.
The Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with direct access to unique primary source materials in American history subjects, allowing direct access to first-hand accounts of events or topics.
“I am a firm believer that using primary sources to form engaging lessons is the key to helping our students grow into independent and critical thinkers,” Angel Tari said. “We delve into concepts with the intention of learning about the multiple perspectives of pivotal events in American history.”
Our teachers’ work goes beyond the classroom–they help shape and support our schools, neighborhoods, and society. Ms. Tari’s recognition is a testament to her work advocating for students through her lessons in the classroom.