Danvers High Social Studies Department Earns MA Teaching Excellence Award

DANVERS, MA — The Danvers High School Social Studies department was selected to receive the Recognition of Department Excellence in Teaching Social Studies Award.

This Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies honor will be presented at the MCSS Spring Conference in Sturbridge on March 13.

MCSS President Todd Wallingford described the department as having "a truly remarkable set of educators."

Wallingford said that the team's "talents and contributions to students and school stood out" among a strong field of candidates.

The department consists of 10 teachers: David Buckhoff, Pamela Foss, Christopher Hopkins, Diane Morey, Kathleen Murphy, Thomas Sangeramo, Lisa Trask, Wendy Waldron, Jacquelyn White, and Patrick Ziemba.

Danvers Principal Alan Strauss said: "There is a great balance of intellectual curiosity, a love of history and the social sciences and care for kids. That is an elixir for great teaching.

"It’s important for them to see that their work is appreciated and recognized."

This is an amazing and well-deserved honor," Danvers Superintendent Dan Bauer said. "Being recognized by your peers is always a wonderful achievement, especially at the state level."

Kathleen Murphy, the department's teacher leader, attributed their success to longevity and collaboration.

This recognition follows Danvers High School receiving a Silver Medal from the College Board for its Advanced Placement program.

"Between the College Board award and this wonderful accomplishment, Falcon Nation is truly soaring," Strauss said.