Alissa Oginsky Named Mount Vernon's 2016 History Teacher of the Year

MOUNT VERNON, VA – George Washington’s Mount Vernon named Alissa Oginsky, a sixth-grade U.S. History teacher at Holmes Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, as its 2016 History Teacher of the Year. Oginsky will receive a $5,000 prize and an all-expense paid trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon for up to 200 students. The Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year award was first presented in 2007 and celebrates educators dedicated and passionate about teaching history.

“Alissa’s commitment to her craft and her ability to seek out resources and expertise to improve her practice makes her a standout,” said Ann Bookout, Mount Vernon’s Vice Regent and chair of the Education Committee. “These special skills, along with 21^st-century technology, help to instill a deep appreciation of history in her students.”

Oginsky has participated in numerous educational experiences to enhance her leadership skills, including instruction at the National Museum of the American Indian, Ford’s Theatre, and Mount Vernon. She has used these experiences to provide mentoring and resources to fellow history teachers.

“My passion is in developing creative lessons which empower students and fellow educators to investigate and discover history. By promoting inquiry and exploration, the students I work with become greater stakeholders in their own learning,” Oginsky wrote in her application.

Mount Vernon has selected Corey Thornblad, a teacher at Kilmer Middle School, as its runner up for the History Teacher of the Year award. Thornblad will receive tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon for up to 75 students and chaperones. More information, please visit mountvernon.org/teacheroftheyear.   

Support for Mount Vernon’s Teacher of the Year program has beencenerously provided by the Robertson Foundation.

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