Richard M. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award
The Richard M. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award is awarded annually to an educator who uses the National History Day program as part of the curriculum.
To be eligible, a teacher must be a participant in the National History Day program and be nominated by the state History Day coordinator. The evaluation criteria are as follows:
Development and use of creative teaching methods that interest students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. Examples could include active learning projects, such as mock debates or oral history projects; innovative use of primary sources; integrated communication technology in history research and classroom learning; teaching methods which link history to students' broader interests (e.g., using interdisciplinary approaches to historical topics by developing projects which link history to current events, debates, and issues); or the use of teaching methods which build a range of skills in students as they study history.
Exemplary commitment to helping students develop their interest in history and recognize their achievements. Examples could include exemplary support and guidance for students working on History Day projects; assistance in helping students showcase their history projects within the community and/or publish their material; overall commitment to the intellectual development of individual students; or encouragement of student to use their understanding of history to become engaged, informed citizens in their community and beyond.