Return to Headlines

Another Award for Mr. Swiz

The Gilder Lehrman Institute Names Anthony Swierzbinski as 2024 Delaware History Teacher of the Year

 

The distinguished history educator is one of 53 finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award, set to receive a $1,000 prize and an invaluable collection of classroom resources

 

Wilmington, DE—July 18, 2024 – Anthony Swierzbinski, a teacher at The John Dickinson School in Wilmington, has been named the 2024 Delaware History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education.

 

Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, this award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories.

 

“In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future,” says James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”

 

A native of Wyoming, Delaware, Swierzbinski has been teaching at Dickinson since the fall of 2009. He has taught Civics and Economics in the high school and his current teaching responsibility includes 6th and 8th grade Social Studies in the Middle Years Programme. In addition, he has served as the cross country and track & field coach for the middle school’s entire history. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Delaware.  

 

“The John Dickinson School is very proud that Mr. Anthony Swierzbinski is the 2024 Delaware History Teacher of the Year by Gilder Lehrmann Institute. He was selected because of his commitment to teaching American History in a creative and imaginative way. His use of documents, artifacts, and other primary sources have been effective in keeping his 6th and 8th grade students engaged. He was also selected in the spring by his colleagues and Dickinson community as the TJDS Teacher of the Year.”

                       

                                                                        -Principal Dr. Devearl Royster, Jr.

 

Swierzbinski will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Additionally, he will be recognized at a local ceremony and join the esteemed group of 53 finalists contending for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

 

The national award winner will be announced later this fall, and they will take home a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on Oct. 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City. For a complete list of the 2024 state winners, please visit this link.

 

About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

 

Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

 

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 85,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with access to unique primary source materials.

 

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.