FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024

Oyster River Middle School Teacher Valerie Wolfson Named 2024 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year 

Oyster River Middle School Teacher Valerie Wolfson has been named the 2024 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year. (Photo Courtesy Valerie Wolfson via Oyster River Cooperative School District)

DURHAM — Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Principal Bill Sullivan are pleased to share that Oyster River Middle School Social Studies teacher Valerie Wolfson has been named the 2024 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Wolfson was honored by the Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) School Board and Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps on Aug. 21. Wolfson has taught Social Studies at ORMS since 2005. She was named New Hampshire Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2020. 

"I am sincerely honored and it is humbling to receive this acknowledgment," Wolfson said. "I have had the privilege of working with supportive administrators, collaborating with brilliant and talented colleagues, the freedom to be creative and take positive risks, and to work in a community that has historically supported public education. I have grown and been nurtured by my professional environment."

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to K-12 American history education. Each year since 2004 it has recognized exceptional K-12 teachers for their outstanding contributions.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States territories. Teachers are nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members. Each state convenes a committee of history teachers, professors, and other education professionals to review nominations.

Through her selection, Wolfson is one of 53 finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

Wolfson will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

“Valerie’s work helps our students to better understand their community, country, and world, and their role in each,” Principal Sullivan said. “Through this understanding, they can acknowledge those of different cultures or perspectives and make positive contributions throughout their lives.”

The National History Teacher of the Year will be announced later this fall. They will receive a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on Oct. 15 at the Harvard Club of New York City. 

"Congratulations to Valerie for this well-deserved honor,” Superintendent Dr. Shaps said. “Our students benefit greatly from her remarkable ability to teach civic principles and history preparing them to become informed, engaged, and responsible participants in a diverse and ever-changing society. Our school community benefits greatly from her hard work and dedication."

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2024 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year Valerie Wolfson, at the podium, speaks to the Oyster River Cooperative School Board on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Standing to her right is Middle School Principal Bill Sullivan. Attending the meeting were, from bottom left, School Board members Renee Beauregard-Bennett and Brian Cisneros, Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Filippone, Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps, School Board Chair Matthew Bacon, Vice Chair Heather Smith, and School Board members Denise Day, Kelly Ickes, and Giana Gelsey. (Not pictured: Student Representative Stella Pillet-Shore) (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District)