Regional Programs - Midwest

Kate Van Haren

Lead Ambassador

Kate Van Haren is a dedicated educational leader with over a decade of classroom experience. She currently leads elementary social studies instruction and curriculum development in Wisconsin's Pittsville School District. Kate's committee work includes serving on the Educating for American Democracy Teacher Leadership Team, NCSS Notable Trade Book Committee, and NCSS Elementary Position Statement Task Force. As a Mount Vernon Teaching Fellow, she developed an infographic exploring women's roles at Mount Vernon. Her expertise in culturally responsive teaching and primary source analysis has earned her recognition as the 2024 National Council for the Social Studies Elementary Teacher of the Year, Wisconsin History Teacher of the Year, and recipient of the National Council for History Education's Paul A. Gagnon Prize. Kate has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters focused on approaches to teaching history, Indigenous perspectives, critical source analysis, and culturally responsive pedagogy in elementary social studies. Her international perspective, shaped by Peace Corps service in Macedonia and educational fellowships across four continents, informs her approach to teaching American history within a global context.

Angela Hall

Angela Welch Hall is a dedicated educator with over three decades of experience teaching 8th grade social studies at Athens Middle School in Athens, Ohio where she remains committed to fostering academic excellence, historical inquiry, and civic engagement. She holds both a BA and Master’s degree in Education from Ohio University. Angela collaborates with the Southeastern Ohio History Center and local historians to incorporate place-based learning and historical sourcing into her curriculum. Her innovative work led to her presenting at history conferences across the country. Outside the classroom, Angela founded and advises the Andrew Jackson Davison History club where she guides students in exploring and celebrating local history while understanding regional identity. She also served as the cheerleading coach (32 years), student council advisor (32 years), and coordinator of the annual 8th-grade trip to Washington D.C. (28 years). In recognition of her enduring contributions to education and the community, Angela received the Beacon of Light Award from the Mount Zion Preservation Society and was recently nominated for Athens Woman of the Year.

Emily Dauk

Emily Dauk is a high school math teacher with a passion for connecting other content areas with the world of mathematics. Her professional development experience includes NASA’s Microgravity University for Educators, the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources, and the George Washington Teacher Institute. Emily earned a BA in mathematics and a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. In addition to teaching, Emily has been a marching band instructor, debate coach, knowledge bowl coach, Upward Bound program instructor, and Link Crew coordinator. She is currently teaching in southern Minnesota at her alma mater, Mankato East High School. Outside of the classroom, Emily is an active flute player, has traveled to 40 states, has visited 20 of the 21 Smithsonian Museums, and is on a quest to make her way to each of Minnesota’s 87 county historical societies and 64 state parks.

Ginnie Holloway

Ginnie Holloway is an 8th-grade social studies teacher and curriculum consultant for Rochester Community Schools in Michigan. She is passionate about inquiry-based learning, student voice, and fostering civil dialogue. Dedicated to helping students explore history from multiple perspectives, Ginnie encourages them to understand the past, engage in the present, and prepare for the future. She believes in the power of education to shape thoughtful, active citizens. Ginnie has a BA in Elementary Education with a major in social studies from Oakland University. She also holds Master’s degrees in Reading, Library and Information Science, and Education Leadership and Instructional Technology. Ginnie is a lifelong learner, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Katy Forsythe

Katy Forsythe is a high school social studies teacher at Dallas Center-Grimes High School in Grimes, Iowa and a GWTI250 Ambassador at George Washington's Mount Vernon. As part of the Leadership and Legacy of George Washington Fellowship at Mount Vernon, Katy created an infographic and activity sheets scaffolded to elementary, middle, and high school students. As a James Madison Fellow, she spent a month with fellows from almost every state studying the American Founding and Constitution through Georgetown University and the James Madison Foundation. With the support of JMF, Katy is finishing her Master of Arts in American History and Government through Ashland University.