Michigan Historical Center seeks outstanding history teacher nominations

LANSING – The Michigan Historical Center in Lansing is still accepting nominations for the 2013 Odyssey Award for teaching excellence in Michigan history, in order to solicit more input from parents, students and staff during the school year. The deadline for nominating an outstanding history teacher is Dec. 1, 2013.

The award is sponsored by the Michigan History Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the MichiganLogo for Odyssey Award, recognizing outstanding Michigan history teachers Historical Center. The foundation underwrites center education programs that inspire more than 60,000 Michigan students each year to explore their state’s history at the Michigan Historical Museum.

Essential to all successful instructional programs are the dedicated teachers who inspire their students and instill in them a passion for learning. The Michigan Historical Center Odyssey Award recognizes these outstanding teachers. Each year the award honors two Michigan history teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching and supporting Michigan history.

Representatives from the Michigan Historical Center will present award plaques along with a cash gift of $1,000 and one annual family membership to the Michigan Historical Museum to recipients during ceremonies at their schools.

All Michigan history K-12 educators are eligible for the award. Nominees are judged on their depth of knowledge about Michigan history, leadership in teaching others about Michigan history, and creative teaching methods.

To download the one-page nomination form, visit the Odyssey Award page. For for information about the award or the nomination process, contact Mark Harvey at harveym@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.