Pair of graduates from AU’s MAHG program named History Teacher of the Year
ASHLAND, Ohio – Two state winners of The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s 2024 History Teacher of the Year award—Katie Orenberg of California and Erik Iverson of South Dakota—are graduates of Ashland University’s Master of American History and Government (MAHG) program.
Started in 2004, this Gilder Lehrman program recognizes excellence in the teaching of history at the K-12 level and shines a light on the important work history teachers do.
Orenberg, an eighth-grade history teacher at Pleasanton Middle School near San Francisco since 2010, is a 2023 graduate of AU’s MAHG program. She is being recognized for her innovative teaching methods that “bring history to life for diverse learners,” according to a news release by the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
“I was both humbled and excited to win this honor. It certainly wasn’t expected, but any time teachers’ efforts are recognized in the work we do with our students, it feels wonderful,” Orenberg said.
Orenberg was grateful for her time in AU’s MAHG program and attributed it for making her become a better teacher.
“My experience in the MAHG program absolutely transformed my classroom teaching. Not only did it build my confidence by shaping my subject area expertise, but I also learned so much about myself as an educator by observing the teaching styles of my professors,” remarked Orenberg. “To say there was some pretty intense hero worship of AU’s faculty on my end would be an understatement.”
Iverson is entering his fourth year of teaching social studies at Stevens High School in Rapids City, S.D., and 27th overall. He fueled his passion for history by being one of the early enrollees of AU’s MAHG program and graduated in 2008.
“It’s surreal to be honest,” Iverson said of the award. “There are many great teachers out there and to be acknowledged in such a way is truly an honor.”
While Iverson’s days in the MAHG program were more than 15 years ago, he still recalls the experience fondly.
“Without MAHG, I wouldn’t have won the award. Being at Ashland exposed me to many great professors and fellow students. The exposure to primary sources and the discussions behind them were career changing,” said Iverson.
Of note, both Orenberg and Iverson were awarded fellows from the James Madison Foundation.
Each state winner was first nominated by a student, parent, fellow teacher or community member. Then, nominees submit a resume, teaching materials and letter of recommendation for a committee of educators and education professionals in their state to consider. The winners receive $1,000 and are all eligible for the National History Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced this fall.
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.
Ashland’s graduate program in American history and government is designed for social studies teachers, community college faculty, museum and library personnel, professional development coordinators, those with a personal or professional interest in history and government and others who would like to take individual courses. It also features convenient and flexible course delivery options to fit an educator’s personal and professional needs. For more information, visit ashland.edu/program/american-history-and-government-masters.