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Pleasanton Middle School history teacher Katherine Orenberg was recently named the 2024 California History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a nonprofit organization dedicated to American history education from elementary to high school.
The New York-based organization, which was established in 2004, recognizes kindergarten to high school history teachers from across the country every year with the award for their “outstanding contributions to American history education,” according to a July 17 press release from the nonprofit.
“When I learned that I received this award, I felt both humbled and honored,” Orenberg told the Weekly. “This award means the world to me as I am not only a product of Pleasanton schools, but it was this very community that helped me become a teacher in the first place.”
Orenberg is one of 53 nationwide award winners who are also finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced this fall.
“In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future,” James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute, stated in the press release. “Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”
With over a decade of experience at Pleasanton Middle School, Orenberg is being recognized for her innovative teaching methods that “bring history to life for diverse learners,” according to the press release.
“For parents/guardians and students it’s Katie’s passion, care and encouragement for her students that makes her a respected History teacher,” vice principal Karen Cobb said. “She welcomes all students in her class and has the ability to connect with, differentiate for, and encourage students who are school-dependent, have specific learning needs, or need a safe place to land.”
Orenberg said for her, it’s important for her students to know that the same people who are in those history books were human, just like them and that students see themselves in these stories, which goes to show that they too can grow up and contribute to the future of the nation.
“It is crucial for students to understand that by studying history and our nation’s founding principles, they are both learning from the past and empowering themselves to preserve their own freedoms, extend justice and equality to all, and help maintain our country’s democratic process,” Orenberg said. “Every opportunity for students to use the themes of American history to see that they, too, can make a difference will strengthen their resolve as participating stakeholders.”
As part of the state award, Orenberg will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, according to the press release.
“It was people like Juanita Haugen, retired PUSD teachers, and families acting in memory of former PUSD teachers that provided me with the scholarships to help make my career in education possible,” Orenberg said. “I vowed to each of them that I would return to Pleasanton to pay it forward, so to earn this honor while representing the very community that served me so generously means the absolute world to me.”
Congratulations Katie! Way to go 🎉