THS Teacher Ryan Werenka Named Michigan History Teacher of 2021

Troy High School teacher Ryan Werenka has been named the 2021 Michigan History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.

In 2021, parents, students, teachers, and administrators nationwide nominated a record 8,510 teachers for the History Teacher of the Year Award. Amidst a very competitive field, Ryan Werenka rose to the top in Michigan.

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and US Territories. In fall 2021, the National History Teacher of the Year will be selected from the pool of state winners.

From Werenka’s Nomination Packet: In 2000, Ryan Werenka received his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University and in 2004 he completed a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. Werenka’s passion for history and political science have been combined in his classroom, and his students have reaped the benefits. He creates a classroom atmosphere in which history is directly correlated to students’ lives through analyzing community-based issues, and understanding government documents. When students leave his classroom they have not only learned valuable information, they have become engaged and informed citizens.

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Ryan Werenka’s school will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials and recognition at a ceremony in Michigan.

The 10 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday, September 9, with the national winner announced later that month. An in-person ceremony for the winner will be held in late fall 2021, health and safety protocols permitting. Support for the National History Teacher of the Year Award ceremony is provided by HISTORY®

Nominations for the 2022 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2022 nominations is March 31, 2022.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, and the Council of Independent Colleges.

Troy School District Point of Pride: Last year, Baker Middle School 8th grade teacher Zach MacIntosh received this honor, as the 2020 Michigan History Teacher of the Year.

Photo courtesy of the Troy School District

For additional information regarding the Gilder Lehrman Institute, contact:

Josh Landon, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: (646) 366-9666 x137

Email: landon@gilderlehrman.org