North Andover High's Brian Sheehy Wins Teaching Award

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover High School history teacher Brian Sheehy won one of Williams College's four annual Olmstead Prizes in Secondary School Teaching, the college announced Wednesday.

Sheehy was nominated by North Andover high school alum Ruari OCearuil for the prize, which goes to four teachers nominated by Williams College seniors. As a recipient, Sheehy won $3,000 and an additional $5,000 will go to the high school.

OCeauril cited Sheehy's AP European History class.

“The passion that Sheehy brought to his classroom every day that year was unparalleled,” he said.

Sheehy laid "the foundation of critical thinking, argument formulation, and thorough analysis” through which OCearuil “gained the invaluable ability to think deeply and fully about serious topics," OCearuil wrote.

Sheahy has taught history to grades 10 to 12 at North Andover High School since 2007, and coordinates the history department. His courses include AP European History, Sports of the Past, World Civilization II, Global Thought, Sports in American Culture, and U.S. History.

“Brian has developed into a veteran teacher and department leader who is extremely innovative and who uses his passion for history to engage students in learning. He is one of the most versatile instructors we have in the North Andover Public School district," North Andover High School Principal Chet Jackson said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.