Las Vegas Teacher Mitchell Kalin Crowned History Teacher of Year

Las Vegas Teacher Mitchell Kalin Crowned History Teacher of Year

Las Vegas Teacher Mitchell Kalin Crowned History Teacher of the Year

A beloved Las Vegas educator, Mitchell Kalin, has been honored as Nevada's 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Kalin's exceptional dedication and innovative teaching methods during his tenure at Leavitt Middle School, bringing national attention to the quality of education within our community.

A Local Hero in Education

Mitchell Kalin, a recently retired history teacher from Leavitt Middle School right here in Las Vegas, received the esteemed Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award for Nevada. The ceremony, held at his former school on October 15, celebrated his profound impact on students and the field of history education.

"Mr. Kalin had a unique and creative way of engaging students while discussing history," praised Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of the Clark County School District. "CCSD is proud to have such a valuable educator recognized for his accomplishments." Lana Roper, Principal at Leavitt Middle School, added, "Mr. Kalin’s classroom was a place where students not only learned history — they experienced it." These heartfelt testimonials underscore the lasting impression he made within our local schools.

Beyond Dates: Engaging Students with History

Innovative Teaching Methods

Kalin's approach to teaching moved far beyond rote memorization of dates and events. He challenged his students to delve deeper, prompting them to ask "why history happened and why it matters today." This critical thinking fostered a more profound connection to the past, making history feel relevant and alive for his students.

A standout example of his innovative style was his teaching of the Holocaust. Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, noted, "Through his innovative approach to teaching the Holocaust, he brought history to life by incorporating survivor testimonies and encouraging students to connect lessons from the past to their world today." This method transformed complex historical events into deeply personal and impactful lessons for young learners in Las Vegas.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute: Recognizing Excellence

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a New York-based nonprofit organization, is renowned for its commitment to celebrating outstanding K-12 educators nationwide. They seek teachers who demonstrate a deep commitment to American history and inspire students through inquiry, storytelling, and reflection. Kalin's recognition highlights his alignment with these high standards.

His nomination during the last school year for Nevada's Gilder Lehrman award culminated in this state-level honor, and he also represented Nevada in the national program. This dual recognition speaks volumes about his caliber as an educator and brings positive visibility to our local educational system.

What This Means for Las Vegas Schools

Mitchell Kalin's award is a significant achievement not just for him, but for Leavitt Middle School and the entire Clark County School District. It serves as an inspiring benchmark for other educators, showcasing how passionate, innovative teaching can transform the learning experience. This recognition reinforces the dedication and talent within our local teaching community and encourages continued excellence in history education across Las Vegas.

A Comparative Look: Teaching History

Aspect Conventional Teaching Mitchell Kalin's Approach
Focus Memorizing dates and events Understanding "why" history happened and its modern relevance
Engagement Lecture-based, passive learning Creative methods, active inquiry, student experience
Holocaust Education Factual accounts Survivor testimonies, direct connection to contemporary issues
Student Role Recipient of information Critical thinker, engaged participant, reflector

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is Mitchell Kalin?
    Mitchell Kalin is a recently retired history teacher from Leavitt Middle School in Las Vegas, who was named Nevada’s 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year.
  • What award did he receive?
    He received the Nevada 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award, an honor from a national nonprofit recognizing excellence in American history education.
  • What made his teaching unique?
    Kalin's unique methods involved creatively engaging students, challenging them to understand the "why" behind historical events, and using compelling resources like survivor testimonies for topics such as the Holocaust.
  • What school did he teach at?
    He taught history at Leavitt Middle School, a public middle school located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • What is the Gilder Lehrman Institute?
    It's a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving history education by celebrating outstanding K-12 educators across the United States.

Kalin's recognition is a powerful reminder that dedicated educators truly shape the minds of the next generation, making history not just a subject, but a living, breathing story for the students of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Teacher Mitchell Kalin Crowned History Teacher of Year

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