Dr. Deborah Smith Johnston, a history teacher at Concordia International School Shanghai was named the 2018 James F. Harris History Teacher of the Year for the senior division. This prestigious teaching award is presented to one middle school and one high school teacher. The two winners receive $5,000 each. The award is sponsored by Dr. James F. Harris, past president of the Board of Trustees of National History Day.
Each of the 57 National History Day affiliates could nominate one middle and one high school teacher for this award. Johnston was the nominee from NHD China for the senior division.
Johnston has been participating in the National History Day Contest for 25 years in Massachusetts, Washington, and China. She uses the National History Day Contest to help her students generate a personal connection with history and develop their critical thinking skills. Johnston has been an integral part of NHD China by leading judge training, coordinating trips to historic sites, and last year four of her students won 3rd place at the National Contest.
“Dr. Johnston’s commitment to history education is admirable,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “She encourages students to delve deeper into history and make personal connections while improving their research and critical thinking skills. She is truly an outstanding National History Day teacher.”
Johnston was presented with the award at the National History Day Contest awards ceremony at the University of Maryland.
