WSHS Teacher Named Virginia's History Teacher of the Year

Innovative and visionary were a few words that Brian Heintz's co-workers used to describe him.

Heintz, a social studies teacher at , was named the 2012 Virginia History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Heintz has taught United States and Virginia History and Advanced Placement American History in Fairfax County for the past nine years.

"He is an enthusiastic and distinctive advocate for new teaching ideas, resources, and scholarship," said Cynthia Szwajkowski, former social studies department chair. She continued:

"His lessons reflect his unique wit and are thematically presented, ensuring  each classroom experience is a memorable learning event for his students. Of equal importance is his demonstrated leadership within his West Springfield High School department. Brian, a true visionary, has proven his scholarly abilities while serving as curriculum team leader for the past four years. In this capacity, he has collaborated with his peers while leading them in the innovative use of technology, assessment, and data analysis."

Heintz receives a prize package including a certificate of recognition, a $1,000 award, a collection of classroom resources to be presented in his honor to the WSHS library, and the opportunity to participate in a Gilder Lehrman Institute summer seminar. The winner’s school becomes a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School.

"Brian has an appreciation for thinking outside the box and outside the textbook, evident in his clever use of primary sources and a wonderful sense of humor that always enlivens his classroom," said West Springfield High School Assistant Principal Valerie Winter, supervisor of the social studies department.

"Upon visits to his classroom it is abundantly clear that Brian's students prize his dedication, his scholarship and his quick wit," said Brian Plancich, social studies department chair.

Each state winner is also a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in the fall. The National History Teacher of the Year receives an additional $10,000 prize and a trip to the national ceremony, along with two of their students.